Dual lumen subclavian catheters for haemodialysis.

The dual lumen catheter has recently been developed as a subclavian vascular access device for haemodialysis. This paper describes our preliminary experience with two currently available catheters of this design: the Shiley Dual Lumen Catheter, and the Quinton-Mahurkar Dual Lumen Catheter. The performance of both catheters, characterised by high blood flow rate capabilities, low venous resistances and minimal recirculation, is superior to that of other types of subclavian haemodialysis cannula.