Insertion of Permanent Catheter / Tunnelled Dialysis Catheter
For patients undergoing haemodialysis for chronic kidney disease (CKD), a permanent or tunnelled dialysis catheter may be necessary if arteriovenous fistula or graft formation is not possible or suitable. This catheter provides access to blood for filtration by the haemodialysis machine.
A tunnelled haemodialysis catheter is a soft plastic tube inserted into a large vein in the neck or groin. It tunnels under the skin to the chest or thigh and has a cuff to secure it and reduce infection risks. These catheters may be temporary or long-term solutions, depending on individual needs and medical recommendations.
A tunnelled dialysis catheter is a soft, flexible tube inserted into a large vein, typically in the neck or groin, for patients requiring haemodialysis. It provides a reliable blood access point for filtration by the dialysis machine when fistula or graft creation is not feasible. The catheter is “tunnelled” under the skin to the chest or thigh, with a cuff promoting tissue growth to secure it and reduce infection risk. This catheter can remain in place temporarily or long-term, depending on the patient’s needs and treatment plan, until a more permanent vascular access, like an arteriovenous fistula, is available.A tunnelled haemodialysis catheter is a medical device used for long-term access to the bloodstream during haemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are unable to have a permanent vascular access, such as a fistula or graft. This catheter is a soft, flexible tube made from biocompatible materials and is inserted into one of the large veins, typically in the neck (internal jugular vein) or sometimes in the groin (femoral vein).
The catheter is inserted through the skin, and a short tunnel is created under the skin before it emerges at the front of the chest or thigh. The catheter has two lumens: one for drawing blood for filtration and the other for returning filtered blood back to the body. To secure the catheter and reduce the risk of infection, a small cuff is placed under the skin, promoting scar tissue formation that helps anchor the catheter in place.
This tunnelled catheter is designed for long-term use, either until a permanent access, like an arteriovenous fistula, is ready, or, in some cases, as a long-term solution if other access methods are not viable.
