Short-term femoral venous dialysis catheters for autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell collection: Retrospective evaluation in 276 catheter practice from a single center

We retrospectively evaluated 276 short-term femoral venous dialysis catheters (STFVCs) used for the collection of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs). Patients were not given any prophylactic antibiotic or anti-thrombotic therapy. Totally 877 leukapheresis sessions were performed. STFVCs were sufficient for continuous flow rate in all leukapheresis session. Side effects were detected in 30 (10.86%) STFVC practice (ecchymosis and/or hematoma in 13 (4.71%), thrombophlebitis in 5 (1.81%), bleeding in 4 (1.44%), catheters were not inserted into right femoral vein in 4 (1.44%), infection in PBPC products of 3 (1.08%) and blood receiving tip of catheter was cracked in 1 (0.36%)). Our results showed that STFVCs minimized the serious side effects such as thrombophlebitis, bleeding and infection of PBPC products. The STFVCs appeared safe and effective for PBPC collection.