Long-term venous catheters are widely used in patients with needs of venous access for prolonged periods. The infection related to these catheters remains a challenge in clinical practice. We reviewed the literature about infection epidemiology and treatment related to catheters. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolated bacteria. Tunneled catheters present higher infection rates than implanted ports. Treatment may consist in the use of locks, systemic antibiotics, and even catheter removal, depending on the kind of infection, the isolated microorganism, and the patient's clinical conditions. Catheter salvation should be tried whenever possible.
Indwelling catheters; renal dialysis; drug therapy
