Dialock® Subcutaneous Port for Hemodialysis: A Twelve-Month Experience in a Single Center

Abstract

Background The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is still considered the golden standard form of vascular access for hemodialysis. However, the increasing use of central venous catheters mirrors the growing difficulty in planning an AVF. A totally implantable new device, the Dialock® system (Biolink Corporation, Norwell, MA), allowed us to conduct the first Italian experience. Methods From February 1st 2000 to January 31st 2001, we implanted 21 devices in 12 males and 9 females, median age 66±12 years, with a dialysis duration ranging from 0 to 22 years. In 6 cases the Dialock® was first choice access, in 5 it replaced a malfunctioning tunneled central venous catheter, and in 10 cases it was the rescue access after previous AVF failures. Results On average, the device was accessed 3.5 days after implantation. Median duration of use was 142 days (range 29–365), for a global observation period of 118.2 pt-months. Nineteen devices are currently working without any problem. One port was removed after 60 days due to thrombosis, and another after 9 months of use due to sepsis. Another patient had a systemic infection with cardiac and vertebral involvement with complete remission after 4 months of antibiotic therapy and salvage of the device. The infection rate was 1.3 per 1000 catheter-days. Prescribed blood flow was achieved in 95.7% of the sessions. Conclusion Our short-term results confirm the efficacy and reliability of the new device. In order to assess the true indication for implanting Dialock®, a more prolonged observation period is needed.