I suffered chronic kidney failure in March of this year. My veins/arteries will not support a fistula and a graft had to be disconnected only 3 days after insertion due to severe ischemia. My only access since March is an Opti-Flow catheter, but both "nozzles" have cracked, necessitating their repair with a "Christmas tree" device. Now I can only run at ~250 instead of the 350-400 we were running at before or the arterial sucks air (yes, we've tried reversing the tubing, and both sides leak). I feel queasy and tired ALL the time and know that I will have to have the Opti-Flow replaced very soon. I don't have much time to do research and want to find a better catheter than this! Any and all help greatly appreciated!
Posts: 5 | Location: Rosamond CA USA | Registered: 05 August 2000
<Anthony Trupiano>
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Clairyce: I suffered chronic kidney failure in March of this year. My veins/arteries will not support a fistula and a graft had to be disconnected only 3 days after insertion due to severe ischemia. My only access since March is an Opti-Flow catheter, but both "nozzles" have cracked, necessitating their repair with a "Christmas tree" device. Now I can only run at ~250 instead of the 350-400 we were running at before or the arterial sucks air (yes, we've tried reversing the tubing, and both sides leak). I feel queasy and tired ALL the time and know that I will have to have the Opti-Flow replaced very soon. I don't have much time to do research and want to find a better catheter than this! Any and all help greatly appreciated!
I would recommend a Kendall (Quinton) hemodialysis catheter. Kendall offers two different chronic hemodialysis catheters in multiple lengths. The PermCath and the 13.5F Mahurkar. Both catheter will provide the flow rates you are looking for. Quinton has a long history of providing quality products. Your Doctor will be familiar with Quinton catheters and they should have some in stock. If not, they can call Kendall Healthcare customer service @ 800-962-9888. I wish you the best of luck!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm concerned not only with flow rate, but also with lifespan of the device. Having both nozzles on my catheter crack in approx 4 months on a catheter that is supposed to have a 9 month lifespan is NOT my idea of a good device. I have heard there is an 18-month lifespan catheter out there somewhere but my informant did not know the name of it. The less often I have to have surgery to replace my access the happier I will be! Thanks again... -C-
Posts: 5 | Location: Rosamond CA USA | Registered: 05 August 2000
I have had a Perma Cath since I started dialysis 13 mo. ago. It gets blood flows of 300-320. I have never had any problems with it. From what I've heard a catheter will not give as good a treatment as a graft/fistula. I know someone who is in a nocturnal hemo program who uses this same cath but of course for longer time on the machine. Longer time is better.
New catheter on the market: Cannon catheter. The tip is placed differently and stays in place better. Blood flows 400+. We used our first one last week but we are hearing good reports.
Posts: 125 | Location: Moultrie,Ga, USA | Registered: 27 September 2001
You should definitely try the Diatek Cannon-Catheter. I am the DON of a 17 station dialysis unit in Ga. We presently have 20+ caths in place and they rule!! My URR's are up and treatment times are down. Send me a direct e-mail and I will send you some data on an Excel spreadsheet. Hope all works out well for you.
Posts: 2 | Location: savannah, ga USA | Registered: 27 March 2002
Hi Cecil I'm interested in the Diatek Cannon-catheter you mentioned. My mother has been a long time dialysis patient and it seems we're constantly replacing her catheters for various reasons. I'm convinced it's the brand of catheters. There's got to be something better! I have not heard of Diatek brand before. Please send me spreadsheet mentioned and any other information you have on this product so I can further research to discuss with her doctors. Thanks Paula Pwirick@attglobal.net
quote:
Originally posted by Cecil: You should definitely try the Diatek Cannon-Catheter. I am the DON of a 17 station dialysis unit in Ga. We presently have 20+ caths in place and they rule!! My URR's are up and treatment times are down. Send me a direct e-mail and I will send you some data on an Excel spreadsheet. Hope all works out well for you.
<Shirley>
Posted
Cecil, If not too much trouble I would like to have the info regarding the Cannon Catheter also. e-mail Marty1@infoblvd.net
<old school>
Posted
We are trying to get patients out of the CATHETER CLUB to achieve the Fistula First requirements of ABOVE 50% for Fistulas and 10% or below for catheters.From reading your e-mail you seem to be HAPPY with the catheters..It appears that you are forgetting K/DOQI Guidelines. CONCERNED
<Shirley>
Posted
No we are not forgetting the rule. You seems to forget their are some patients who's veins are not good enough to have a fistula. We have tried a fistula 3 times none have lasted. Catheter is the only choice for us.
