Indwelling silicone femoral catheters: experience of three haemodialysis centres.

The aim of this study is to describe the experience of three haemodialysis centres using indwelling femoral silicone catheter (model SSL 1220M, Medcomp, USA) in 55 patients, three with acute renal failure, one requiring plasmapheresis, and 51 with chronic renal failure but no other available vascular access. Sixty-four catheters were in place for a mean duration of 41.5 +/- 30 days. The rate of catheter-related complications, including mechanical problems, thromboses, and infections was low and they were never life-threatening. The results of the study suggest that femoral cannulation with modern flexible devices can be considered as a reliable temporary access, even for extended periods, with advantages exceeding those for subclavian and jugular routes.

[Femoral indwelling silicone catheter: experience of three hemodialysis centers]. / Cathéter fémoral siliconé à demeure: expérience de trois centres d'hémodialyse.

The use of femoral vein for temporary access in hemodialysis patients is still considered as a slightly desirable route. However recent technical improvements have made this approach more reliable because the new femoral catheters can be left in place for a long time and used for ambulatory treatment. We describe the experience of three hemodialysis centres with temporary indwelling femoral catheter made of silicone (SSL 1220 M, Medcomp) in 55 patients: 3 patients with acute renal failure, 1 requiring plasmapheresis and 51 with chronic renal failure but no other available vascular access. Sixty four catheters were implanted and left in place for a mean of 41.5 +/- 30 days. Complications (mechanical, thrombotic and infectious) were infrequent and never life-threatening. These results suggest that the femoral route can be used reliably for temporary access, and provides advantages over subclavian and jugular routes in certain circumstances.

[Predominant involvement of the central nervous system in a secondary form of borreliosis]. / Atteinte prédominante du système nerveux central au cours d'une forme secondaire de borreliose.

The clinical features of a patient with a secondary stage of Borrelia Burgdorferi infection are reported. Severe symptoms and signs of central nervous involvement were present.

[Recurrence of hyperparathyroidism following a parathyroid autograft. Hyperplasia or carcinoma?]. / Récidive d'un hyperparathyroïdisme sur autogreffe parathyroïdienne. Hyperplasie ou carcinome?

The authors report a case in which hyperparathyroidism recurred after total parathyroidectomy and autogenous parathyroid graft into the fore-arm musculature, in a patient with chronic renal failure. Light and electron microscopic studies of the grafted tissue show a severe, nodular hyperplasia. This case report illustrates the rapid "tumour-like" growth of the hyperplastic parathyroid grafted tissue; according to some authors, the hyperplastic parathyroid tissue displays an increased propensity to become malignant.