Abstract

97 subclavian cathethers were inserted in 70 chronic hemodialysis patients that were treated in Göztepe Social Security Hospital between Jan 1, 1993 and Feb 1, 1994. During the follow-up of patients, 12 cathethers were replaced by new ones due to cathether obstruction; 10, due to infection; 3, due to partial or total intravascular thrombus; 2, due to cathether type. 5 of cathether obstructions were accompanied also by intravascular thrombus. Doppler ultrasonography was used for diagnosis of thrombi, during the follow up of patients. As many of thrombi in hemodialysis patients with subclavian cathethers are asymptomatic, routine Doppler ultrasonography will provide early diagnosis and treatment of these patients.