Incidence of fatal and non-fatal pulmonary thromboembolism after removal of tunnelled central venous haemodialysis catheters without ultrasound scan and anticoagulation.

There was no evidence of fatal or non-fatal PE's occurring in the 7 days following TCVC removal. This would support the practice of removing TCVCs without the need for ultrasound screening and without a period of systemic anticoagulation.