Tunneled and Non-tunneled catheters

Catheters can be used for temporary and longer-term dialysis access. There are two types of catheters: tunneled and non-tunneled. Non-tunneled catheters are used for short periods (up to 1-2 weeks). Tunneled cuffed catheters can be used from 6 months to a year.

Procedure preparation

A nurse from CDI will contact you before to your procedure.
At this time, it will be important to review any medications you may be taking and to discuss known allergies to foods or medications.
Females in their childbearing years should let the nurse or technologist know if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
This is an outpatient facility, which means you will go home the same day your procedure is performed.
Eating: Do not eat solid food 4 hours before your procedure. You may take sips of water with medication.
Medication: Most people can continue to take their prescribed medication. If you are a diabetic, ask your doctor about modifying your insulin dose for the day of your procedure. If you take a blood thinner such as Coumadin, you must tell your doctor so that it can be stopped.
Arrive one hour before your procedure if you are receiving an I.V. for sedation.

During the procedure - what to expect

You will have an I.V. put in your arm so that you are able to receive medication to help you relax.
A dialysis catheter is placed under the skin in one of the veins just above the collarbone. This area will be numbed using a local anesthetic.
Next, a needle is inserted into the skin, creating a small tunnel. The tunneled catheter is placed in the tunnel with the tip coming to rest in a large vein near the heart. A non-tunneled catheter is left on top of the skin, and will be taped securely.
The purpose of tunneling the catheter under the skin is to help prevent infection. The cuff on a tunneled catheter also acts as a barrier to infection. This small cuff is located around the catheter about one inch inside the place where the tube enters your skin. Skin grows into this cuff and keeps the catheter in place.
You may feel some pressure and slight discomfort during the procedure.
You will be closely monitored by the radiologist and nurse during the procedure.
You may experience narrowing or blockage in their access vein for hemodialysis. We offer services to open and maintain your access if we find it in this condition during your appointment. Our interventional radiologists and clinic staff will discuss those options with you at that time, and take care of the issue during the same appointment.

After the procedure – what to expect

The most common complications are infections, blockage of the fistulas and catheters, and occasionally, clotting of the blood. All can be resolved with appropriate medical care.
Once your procedure is complete, we will provide you with information on how to care for your vascular access site.
Your hemodialysis sessions will take place in a hospital’s dialysis unit or an outpatient dialysis center.
Your interventional radiologist will work closely with your referring physician to be sure you receive the best possible care.

What is an interventional radiologist?

Hemodialysis procedures are all performed by interventional radiologists – physicians who are specially trained to perform minimally invasive, targeted treatments. These physicians use image-guided technology, such as fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound, to ensure accuracy and safety during your procedure.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local CDI center.