Technology and clinical application of large-bore and implantable catheters.

The access of choice for patients receiving regular dialysis therapy remains the surgically created arteriovenous fistula. In a number of such patients as well as those requiring treatment for acute renal failure, plasmapheresis or hemoperfusion alternative techniques of access are used. Of the techniques used subclavian and femoral catheterization are preferred for short-term vascular access while in patients requiring long term vascular access the use of a surgically inserted central venous line is favoured. The technology performance and clinical aspects of the use of large bore and implantable catheters are reviewed.