Complications of percutaneous femoral vein catheterizations for hemodialysis.

Five life threatening complications of percutaneous femoral vein catheterization for hemodialysis (Shaldon Technique) are presented. They occurred over a period of five years during which 700 uneventful catheterizations were carried out. In three instances femoroiliac vein thrombosis occurred, and on one occasion this was complicated by pulmonary embolism. In two other instances perforation of the inferior vena cava occurred with profuse bleeding. These complications can be aboided by early removal of the catheters after dialysis and by cautiously manipulating the wireguide when resistance or obstruction is encountered during insertion.