Dislocation of a double-lumen tunneled hemodialysis catheter causing dysfunction and bleeding.

ABSTRACT

Dislocation of tunneled hemodialysis catheters is rare. This report describes displacement of a split catheter with the tip of the arterial limb outside and the venous limb inside the jugular vein. Use of the catheter with the limbs in inverse fashion caused severe hemorrhage along the catheter tunnel. To avoid this complication, a short subcutaneous catheter tunnel is recommended in adipose patients.