Use of long-term catheters in Japan: implant procedures, maintenance methods, and future aspects.

The Japanese society for dialysis therapy (JSDT) launched the second edition of 'Guidelines for Vascular Access Construction and Repair for Chronic Hemodialysis' concerning the vascular access in 2011. The indication of long-term catheters is strictly limited in these guidelines because of possible high risks of infections including sepsis and obstruction of catheters with thrombus. In Japan, the long-term catheters would be needed more frequently to prepare the very rapid demographic change within a decade, under the condition that the material and structure of these catheters will be more resistant against the complications.