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Hemodialysis Catheters
Two weeks ago, we had a PEA arrest of a patient receiving HD. A significant delay occurred in administering fluids and medications as a result of "no iv access". Don't forget that in these situations you can use the hemodialysis catheter.
- Typically these are double-lumen catheters in the IJ or femoral vein; one lumen carries blood to the HD machine and the other returns it to the patient
- Importantly, each lumen is equivalent in diameter to an introducer catheter (8 French) - permitting rapid flow
- Fluids and medications can be rapidly given through these catheters in code situations