No abstract

Central venous catheters are a popular choice for the initiation of hemodialysis or for bridging between different types of access. Despite this, they have many drawbacks including a high morbidity from thrombosis and infection. Advances in technology have allowed placement of these lines relatively safely, and national guidelines have been established to help prevent complications. There is an established algorithm for location and technique for placement that minimizes harm to the patient; however, there are significant short- and long-term complications that proceduralists who place catheters should be able to recognize and manage. This review covers insertion and complications of central venous catheters for hemodialysis, and the social and economic impact of the use of catheters for initiating dialysis is reviewed.

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Eighty-six adult patients were studied by PA chest film and fluoroscopy for coronary artery calcification (CAC). A triangular area (CAC triangle) along the left mid-heart border of the PA chest film was used in identifying CAC. Of 57 patients, 24 (42%) with CAC observed fluoroscopically had a strongly suspected or positive CAC triangle. The CAC triangle in the PA chest film has proved useful in identifying coronary artery calcification on the plain film.

No abstract