Heparin Leakage by Advective-Diffusive Transport in Central Venous Catheters Available to Purchase

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used as a way to provide adequate access of blood flow for hemodialysis, a common treatment for end-stage kidney disease. During hemodialysis, the catheter must circulate up to 300 mL/min [1] of blood flow to the extracorporeal artificial kidney. Catheters contain two lumens: the inflow lumen provides flow to the artificial kidney, and the outflow lumen returns it to the patient’s circulation. Although catheters are used in the treatment of patients of all ages, this study is motivated by the use of central venous catheters for pediatric applications; the catheter types and calibers available for children are much more limited than for adults, thereby placing children in a further disadvantage and potentially subjecting them to increased risk of complications.