Clavicular hook: Cuffed haemodialysis catheter insertion using a paramedian tunnel in patients with recurrent tip migration

Abstract

Tunnelled, cuffed central venous catheters are commonly used for the provision of haemodialysis. Internal jugular vein catheters are generally tunnelled subcutaneously to the anterolateral chest wall. However, the lateral subcutaneous tract may increase the risk of catheter migration, particularly in the setting of obesity or large breast tissue. Catheter tip migration is an important cause of catheter failure. We describe two cases in which a paramedian tunnel was fashioned in patients experiencing recurrent catheter migration.