【Abstract】Objective To investigate the application of long-term percutaneous catheterization of internal jugular vein, and the prevention and management of common catheter-related complications in the elderly maintenant hemodialyisis patients. Methods Clinical data of 15 elderly maintenant hemodialyisis patients receiving percutaneous long-term catheterization of internal jugular vein in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from December 2009 to December 2012 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Their postoperative conditions, catheter utilization, prevention and treatment for common complications, and dialysis adequacy after cuffed catheter implantation were followed up and recorded. Results (1) A total of 18 times of implantation of internal jugular vein long-term catheter, including 3 re-implantation, were completed in the 15 patients, and the implantation success rate was 100%. (2) Catheter-related complications were local bleeding within a week postoperatively in 2 cases, catheter export infection in 1 case, bloodstream infection in 2 cases, catheter thrombosis in 3 cases, fibrin sheath on indwelling venous catheters in 2 cases, and man-made catheter rupture in 1 case. All these problems were resolved after appropriate treatment. (3) The indwelling time (months of effective catheter usage) was 4 to 41 months, except for 1 patient died due to cerebral hemorrhage, 3 patients with re-implantation. The other patients would continue to use the catheters. (4) The average urea reduction rate of 15 patients was 72%, and the average urea clearance index was 1.54. Conclusion Long-term catheterization of internal jugular vein achieves adequate dialysis in the elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients who have poor vascular conditions and are unable to establish arteriovenous fistula. Improvement of catheter implanting techniques and nursing skills, and enhancement of health education will prolong the usage of the catheters and reduce the incidence of catheter-related complications.
