Temporary Access and Central Venous Catheters

Incidence rates of ESRD by diagnosis in the USA for the 10 year period (1989–1998).

Design of central venous catheter has developed over the last 10 years (a) ASH split catheter design, (b) standard tunnelled catheter with cuff (c) standard non-tunnelled catheter.

The tunnelled haemodialysis catheter provides a means of both temporary and long-term access to the patient's circulation.

The SITE RITE 3™ is one of the ultrasound devices available, which allows real time visualisation of the internal jugular vein. The images obtained allow clear definition of the internal jugular vein and its relationship to the carotid artery.

Anatomical representation of the route taken by a catheter inserted into the left internal jugular vein, illustrating the double right angle route required.