Many hemodialysis patients rely on a central venous catheter for access, either while a fistula matures or when a catheter is the most appropriate long-term option. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute places, exchanges, and removes tunneled dialysis catheters using image guidance to keep dialysis running safely.
When a catheter slows down, becomes infected, or is no longer needed, our physicians manage it in an outpatient setting.
Sluggish blood flow, frequent machine alarms, or the need to reverse the catheter lines often means the catheter tip is against a vessel wall or partially blocked by a fibrin sheath. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute evaluates catheters that no longer deliver adequate flow.
Fever, chills during dialysis, or redness and drainage at the catheter exit site can indicate a catheter-related infection. These findings require prompt medical attention.
Once a fistula or graft is ready for use, the temporary catheter can be removed. Timely removal reduces the long-term risks associated with indwelling catheters.
Over time a thin layer of fibrin can form around the catheter tip, restricting flow. Clot within or around the catheter can have the same effect and may require exchange over a guidewire.
Because a catheter crosses the skin into the bloodstream, it carries a higher infection risk than a fistula or graft. Careful exit-site care and timely management reduce that risk.
CVC Placement positions a tunneled central venous catheter under image guidance for reliable hemodialysis access.
CVC Exchange replaces a catheter that is delivering poor flow or showing signs of a fibrin sheath, restoring dependable dialysis over a guidewire.
CVC Removal safely removes a catheter that is no longer needed or is infected, once alternative access is ready.
Related Dialysis Access Services
A catheter is often a bridge to a longer-term fistula or graft. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute coordinates catheter care with access creation and maintenance so dialysis continues without gaps.
FAQ
A catheter is often used while a fistula or graft matures, though some patients rely on one longer term. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute manages the catheter for as long as it is needed and removes it once alternative access is ready.
When a catheter delivers poor flow, it can be replaced over a guidewire through the same tunnel, avoiding a new insertion site. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.
Tell your care team right away. Fever or chills during dialysis can signal a catheter-related infection that needs prompt evaluation and management.
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