Central venous catheters provide at the present time the basic and ideal method to perform acute extracorporeal blood purification. Rapid launch of extracorporeal therapy is indicated in two situations: first, renal conditions presenting as a recognized acute organic renal failure (ARF) and acute decompensation of end stage renal disease (ESRD) without permanent vascular access; second, non-renal conditions presenting as urgent clinical situations requiring isolated ultrafiltration for chronic congestive heart failure, plasmapheresis or selective immunoadsorption for immune diseases, cytapheresis for hematological disease, and selective detoxification for certain types of poisoning. Central venous catheters are classified into 2 categories according to the duration of use: temporary catheter (less than 90 days) and permanent catheter (more than 90 days). A temporary catheter, including rigid (polyethylene, teflon) and semirigid (polyurethane) material, is indicated in emergency situations and for short-term use. A permanent catheter, made usually of soft silicone rubber with a subcutaneous anchoring system, has a subcutaneous tunnel and is indicated in medium and long-term use. Catheter design has benefited greatly from technical advances and material hemocompatability. However, catheter-related morbidity still remains high and is associated with an unacceptable incidence rate of infection and/or vein thrombosis. This article covers our present knowledge regarding catheter indications, technical aspects of catheter insertion and care, functional limitation of central venous catheters, and catheter-related complications. It is also our intent to provide the reader with optimal indication and catheter care in order to prevent and reduce the burden of catheter-related morbidity.
