Hemodialysis Catheters

Two weeks ago, we had a PEA arrest of a patient receiving HD.  A significant delay occurred in administering fluids and medications as a result of "no iv access".  Don't forget that in these situations you can use the hemodialysis catheter.

• Typically these are double-lumen catheters in the IJ or femoral vein; one lumen carries blood to the HD machine and the other returns it to the patient
• Importantly, each lumen is equivalent in diameter to an introducer catheter (8 French) - permitting rapid flow
• Fluids and medications can be rapidly given through these catheters in code situations