Tesio catheters: findings in post-mortem examination.

Vascular access is still the 'Achilles heel' in the haemodialysis treatment. Access-related problems account for approximately 25% of hospitalizations in haemodialysis patients. In patients lacking a suitable vascular anatomy or presenting repeated a-v fistula thrombosis due to vascular problems and/or hypotension, a permanent central venous catheter can establish a reliable long-term vascular access for chronic haemodialysis. Occlusion represents the major cause of catheter failure. Different type of catheters have been studied in order to obtain a low rate of shortand long-term complications.