Abstract

BORT CASTELLO, Jorge et al. Evaluation of a new haemodialysis catheter connector. Rev Soc Esp Enferm Nefrol [online]. 2010, vol.13, n.3, pp.168-172. ISSN 1139-1375.

Patients on haemodialysis are becoming increasingly older and this means there is an increase in the number of vascular access complications. Infections of tunnelled catheters cause a high morbidity/mortality. The TEGO^® microbiologically and mechanically sealed connector is used instead of the conventional cap used to close the catheter ends, and has the advantage that it is only changed once a week. This means that as there is less handling of the central venous catheter, fewer complications and infections appear. It also offers a double security barrier against the entry of air and exit of blood represented by the catheter clamp and the cap. To evaluate this device, we have carried out a study in which we compared the TEGO^® connectors with conventional caps, analysing the following aspects: circuit pressures, dialysis efficacy and catheter infections. The study lasted for two months and included the participation of twelve patients using a tunnelled catheter. Our results show that there are no significant differences with regard to circuit pressures and dialysis efficacy between the two different types of caps. During the study there was no pericatheter infection. We believe that the TEGO^® device, on account of its special characteristics, may be the ideal closure system for all kind of catheters.

Keywords : Catheter; Infection; Dialysis efficacy; Haemodialysis; Transmembrane pressure; Tego^®.

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