L-sided non-tunneled internal jugular vein central venous dialysis catheter and infection

Q: The left-sided non-tunneled internal jugular (IJ) central venous dialysis catheter has a higher rate of infection in comparison to right-sided?

A) True
B) False

Answer: A

The left-sided non-tunneled internal jugular vein dialysis catheter not only has a higher rate of malfunction but also has a higher rate of infection in comparison to right-sided IJ catheter. The catheter has to make two bends from the insertion site to reach its destination just above the right atrium, one at the clavicular level and other at the superior vena cava (SVC) level. This can causes a higher level of malfunction (flow issues), particularly during Continous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Subsequently, clinical staff tends to touch/manipulate/handle the catheter relatively more which leads to more infection rates.

#procedures
#infectious-diseases
#nephrology


Reference:

Engstrom BI, Horvath JJ, Stewart JK, et al. Tunneled internal jugular hemodialysis catheters: impact of laterality and tip position on catheter dysfunction and infection rates. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2013; 24:1295.