Hemodialysis catheters are soft plastic tubes (tunneled catheters) which are large in caliber ad are made with two channels or lumens. The catheter is placed into a large vein at the base of the neck to allow adequate flow of hemodialysis. A combination of machines including an ultrasound machine and a fluoroscope are used by the interventional radiologists to safely access the vein at the base of the neck and slide the dialysis catheter into the venous system. Once in place, this catheter is securely fixed to the skin and can remain with the patient for weeks to months and in some cases more than a year.
Key Advantages:
Provides easy and efficient connection to the hemodialysis machine
Can be used as permanent dialysis access for months to years
Can be maintained relatively easily and access points can be moved if necessary
Can also be used as temporary dialysis access until the patient’s surgical fistula matures or he/she doesn’t need dialysis anymore
