A national survey about temporary vascular access for hemodialysis was conducted to evaluate medical indications of both nephrologists and intensivists. Two hundred "medical teams" (a majority of nephrologists) answered a detailed questionnaire with regard to their current habits on the topic. The choice of temporary vascular access for hemodialysis was examined in patients with acute renal failure as well as in patients with chronic renal failure when a permanent vascular access for hemodialysis is not yet available. With regard to acute renal failure, 60% of medical teams favor femoral access with a single lumen catheter. This initial access is subsequently changed (83% of cases) either at the same site or for a long lasting access. This attitude is explained mainly because of the safety of the procedure and the few short and long term complications. With regard to chronic renal failure, 45% of medical teams favor internal jugular access with a single lumen catheter. This initial access is subsequently maintained as long as no complication occurs, in 91% of cases. Sub-clavian route is never used by 40% of physicians mainly because of long-term risk of stenosis.