Dialysis Catheters

What are dialysis catheters?

Dialysis fluid is instilled via a dialysis catheter which is placed in the patient's abdomen, running from the peritoneum out to the surface, near the navel. Dialysis catheters may also be tunneled under the skin and exit alternate locations such as near the rib margin or sternum (called a presternal catheter), or even up near the clavicle.

When are catheters used?

Patients presenting with acute kidney failure often require placement of a large venous catheter used for immediate dialysis.

What can I expect during this procedure?

The patient is sedated with intravenous medications for relaxation and pain control. Ultrasound and "live" x-ray (fluoroscopy) are used to guide the radiologist in placing the catheter, which is tunneled under the skin and advanced into a large vein draining into the heart. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and the patient is generally ready to be discharged one hour later.

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