To evaluate the results and complications of the step tip type and split tip type tunneled hemodialysis catheters.

Between March 2008 and December 2008, a total of 147 tunneled hemodialysis catheters of step tip (n=89) and split tip (n=58) type were placed in 126 patients to perform hemodialysis. We evaluated the number of catheterization days, as well as complications with respect to catheter tip types.

A tunneled hemodialysis catheter was placed successfully in all cases. The duration of catheterization ranged from 7 to 180 days (mean 68, total catheter days: 10,504 days). A significantly higher complication rate was observed in the step tip type (n=23) as compared to the split tip type (n=4) (p=0.004), especially due to catheter dysfunction and catheter laceration. Five cases of catheter-related infection (3.4%, 0.48/1000 catheter days) were observed.

Placement of the tunneled hemodialysis catheter of step tip type and spit tip type were performed safely. However, the split tip type is more useful because of the greater rate of complication in step tip type.