[The use of wide-bore catheters in acute haemodialysis (author's transl)].

The experiences are reported which were gained with a modified Shaldon catheter for cannulization of the superior vena cava in persons requiring acute haemodialysis. Since September 1976 this instrument has been used 147 times in 124 persons for catheterization of the superior vena cava with the Seldinger technique. In 72 cases the indication for haemodialysis was acute renal failure. In 52 persons a permanent access to vessels had either not yet been established or was not viable at the time chronic haemodialysis was begun. The incidence of complications was approximately the same as that following conventional catheterization of the subclavian vein. In a number of cases access was via the femoral vein although the choice of this site offers hardly any advantage in view of the necessary immobilization of the patient and the slightly higher risk of infection.