Late vascular complications of the subclavian dialysis catheter.

The use of the subclavian dialysis catheter is generally regarded as free of long-term sequelae. However, we observed the occurrence of central vein stenosis in three hemodialysis patients following the use of the subclavian dialysis catheter to provide temporary access. In each case, the stenosis became clinically apparent months after the establishment of an ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula that became compromised by the stenosis. The stenoses may be amenable to dilatation by balloon angioplasty. Although the factors predisposing to this complication and its incidence are unknown, the potential for compromising access sites in the ipsilateral arm warrants awareness that use of subclavian dialysis catheters may be associated with significant long-term sequelae.