A malfunctioning or infected central venous catheter threatens dialysis access and treatment continuity. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute performs CVC exchange to replace the catheter through the existing tract, maintaining vascular access without a new insertion site.
Our physicians handle catheter exchanges the same day when access is compromised. Patients rely on Soris for urgent catheter management.
Soris Pain & Vascular Institute
Central venous catheter (CVC) exchange is a guidewire-based procedure in which the existing catheter is removed over a wire and a new catheter is advanced into the same central vein through the original tunnel and insertion site, preserving vascular access while replacing the malfunctioning hardware.
This technique avoids the need for a new venipuncture and preserves the limited number of usable central vein access sites. Soris performs CVC exchange in our outpatient procedure suites.
Procedure
Soris evaluates the catheter problem with clinical assessment and imaging. The team determines whether exchange or complete removal is appropriate based on the type of malfunction.
The existing catheter is removed over a guidewire under fluoroscopic guidance. The tract is prepared, and a new catheter is threaded into position through the same pathway. The exchange takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The new catheter is tested immediately to confirm adequate flow. Patients resume dialysis at their next scheduled session. Soris provides site care instructions and follow-up scheduling.
Benefits
Each central vein insertion site has a limited number of uses before scarring or stenosis develops. Over-wire exchange preserves these sites for future access needs.
CVC exchange restores functional access the same day. Patients avoid gaps in dialysis treatment that occur when catheters must be removed and replaced at a different site.
When infection is suspected but not confirmed, exchange over a wire allows the old catheter to be cultured while the new catheter maintains access. Soris coordinates antibiotic management based on culture results.
When CVC Exchange Is Needed
Soris performs CVC exchange for catheter-related infection, poor catheter flow, catheter malposition, and fibrin sheath formation. The procedure restores adequate dialysis flow rates and catheter function.
Patients whose access problem sits in a fistula or graft rather than the catheter start with a Fistulogram.
Collaboration
Our physicians perform CVC exchange at Soris Pain & Vascular Institute. Urgent exchanges receive same-day scheduling.
FAQ
Exchange uses the existing tunnel and vein access, avoiding a new puncture site. This preserves vascular real estate and reduces procedural risk compared to de novo placement.
The new catheter is functional immediately after exchange. Soris coordinates with your dialysis center to minimize any treatment delay.
Soris tests catheter flow rates during the procedure and adjusts position as needed. If the exchange fails, alternative access options are discussed immediately.
Board-certified physicians bringing hospital-level, minimally invasive interventional procedures to outpatient centers.
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