Interventional radiologic placement of Hohn central venous catheters: results and complications in 100 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: Hohn catheters are single- or double-lumen catheters used for intermediate-length central venous access. The authors report their technique, results, and long-term follow-up in a prospective study of their first 100 consecutive patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Indications for Hohn subclavian catheter placement included chemotherapy in 53%, antibiotic therapy in 30%, and total parenteral nutrition in 8%. Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 82 years, and 80% of catheters were placed in inpatients. Hohn catheters were placed with fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance. Patients were followed up for the duration of the study or until their catheters were removed.

RESULTS: The technical success rate for catheter placement was 100%. No major procedural complications occurred. Duration of catheter placement varied between 5 and 276 days (mean, 70 days). The catheter infection rate was 8%, which corresponds to 1.1 infections per 1,000 catheter days. Catheter thrombosis occurred in nine cases (9%) and was successfully treated with urokinase in six of these nine. Subclavian vein thrombosis occurred in 3% of patients.

CONCLUSION: Technical success, complication, and long-term patency rates for the Hohn catheter are comparable to or better than those in most surgical series involving tunneled external catheters. The Hohn catheter is an excellent alternative for intermediate-length central venous access. Hohn subclavian catheter placement has become a standard part of the authors' interventional radiology service and is easily adaptable to all interventional practices.