【Abstract】 Objective To improve the recognition, treatment and prognosis of central venous catheter (CVC) dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. Methods We analyzed 156 maintenance hemodialysis patients with CVC, of which 36 used long-term indwelling cuffed catheter, and 120 used temporary CVC. Results Access dysfunction and catheter related infection were the two major causes leading to CVC dysfunction. Access dysfunction was found in 22 cases, of which 59% were thrombosis formation in CVC. Fibrinous sheath was another important cause of access dysfunction usually found on long-term indwelling cuffed catheter. Catheter related infection was frequently found in central vein catheterization through femoral vein and in patients complicated with diabetic nephropathy. The infection rate was higher in patients using temporary CVC than in those using long-term indwelling CVC. In temporary central vein catheterization, the longer the indwelling duration, the more the infection rate. Conclusion Thrombosis formation in catheter was the most common cause leading to CVC dysfunction. Fibrinous sheath was frequently found on long-term indwelling cuffed catheter. Catheter related infection is related to the patients with diabetic nephropathy, the catheterization site, the duration using temporary catheter. Catheter with a cuff was suitable for long-term indwelling CVC with less infection.