Quinton catheter

Quinton catheter is a type of catheter that is typically used to provide dialysis for patients with severe kidney disease or kidney failure. It is named after its inventor, Dr. Belding Scribner, and his colleague, Wayne Quinton.

History

The Quinton catheter was developed in the 1960s as a means to provide long-term access to the bloodstream for patients requiring dialysis. Prior to its invention, patients had to undergo surgery to create a direct connection between an artery and a vein, a procedure known as an arteriovenous fistula.

Design and Use

The Quinton catheter is designed to be inserted into a large vein, typically in the neck or chest. It consists of two separate tubes, or lumens, one of which is used to draw blood from the body and into the dialysis machine, while the other returns the cleaned blood back to the body.

The catheter is typically inserted under local anesthesia, and can be used for both temporary and long-term dialysis treatment. However, it is generally considered a last resort, used only when other forms of vascular access, such as an arteriovenous fistula or graft, are not possible or have failed.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, the use of a Quinton catheter carries some risks. These include infection, blood clots, and damage to the vein in which the catheter is inserted. In addition, the catheter may become blocked or dislodged, requiring replacement.

See Also

• Dialysis
• Kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Arteriovenous fistula
• Catheter

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