Patient Instructions - Tunneled Dialysis Catheter

A tunneled dialysis catheter is used for temporary dialysis access. The dialysis catheter is placed in a vein in the neck and then tunneled under the skin, exiting the skin on the chest or shoulder area.

Before your Procedure

• An IV antibiotic will be given before the procedure.

• Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure.

During your Procedure

• Sedation and pain medication is given during the procedure.

• You will lie on the table on your back with your head flat (a small cushion is placed under your head).

• Your neck and shoulder is cleaned and then numbed.

• The vein is accessed using ultrasound as a guide for needle access.

• The catheter is then tunneled under the skin and placed in the vein.

• The catheter is stitched into place. It can be used immediately after placement.

• The procedure takes about 1 hour.

After your Procedure

• A chest X-ray is taken after the procedure to verify placement is in an upright position.

• The head of the bed must remain elevated for 3 hours after the procedure.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.