Subclavian vein catheterisation for haemodialysis.

Immediate access to the circulation for haemodialysis may be necessary in patients with acute renal failure or when end stage renal disease presents acutely. Vascular access may be required in patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis if that technique is interrupted or, following failure of an arteriovenous fistula in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. Haemodialysis via a catheter in the subclavian vein meets these …