• A haemodialysis catheter is a flexible tube used for dialysis treatment. The catheter is placed into the blood vessel in your neck or upper chest and is threaded to the right side of the heart. The catheter has two tubes inside, one to take blood to the dialysis machine the other to return the blood to you.The procedure involves creating a tunnel under the skin to thread the catheter. The catheter has a cuff under the skin to help keep the catheter in place, prevent infection and allow the catheter to remain in for an extended period of time.

Do I need an anaesthetic?

• No, you do not need a General Anaesthetic.  Sedation medication may be given before the procedure.

What are some of the risks of the procedure?

• Infection: See a doctor immediately in the hospital emergency department, if there are any signs of infection, such as; redness, discharge, pain, swelling, you feel unwell or have shivers and shakes. Infection can occur at the site where the catheter enters the skin or in the blood stream.
• Bleeding:there is the possibility of bleeding from the site where the catheter enters the skin. If bleeding occurs at home, sit upright and apply a pressure with a clean cloth. This usually settles, but if bleeding is excessive or continues beyond 15 minutes, call an ambulance.
• Puncture of lung wall: There is only a small chance this will occur. If you are short of breath or have pain in the chest after your catheter is inserted, tell the nurse or doctor.
• Not enough blood flow in and out of the catheter: If the catheter is kinked, in the wrong position or a blood clot has formed at the end of the catheter, the catheter may need to be removed.

 

Reference:

https://www.health.tas.gov.au/health-topics/kidney-renal/kidney-treatments/understanding-your-haemodialysis-catheter-permacath