Dialysis catheters provide temporary or long-term access for life-sustaining dialysis. At Atrium Vascular Associates, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Sydney Wong places and removes dialysis catheters to ensure optimal safety and comfort.
Maintain Dependable Blood Flow for Dialysis
Dialysis catheters are flexible tubes placed into a large vein to allow blood to flow to and from a dialysis machine when your kidneys can no longer perform this action on their own. They are used when dialysis needs to start quickly or while a permanent access, such as an AV fistula or graft, is healing. Dialysis catheters can be temporary or longer-term, depending on your medical needs and treatment plan.
Why Do You Need Dialysis Catheters?
Dialysis catheters help manage advanced kidney disease by providing immediate access for dialysis, which supports both treatment and ongoing assessment of kidney function. Through regular dialysis, your care team can evaluate how well toxins and excess fluid are being removed, how your body responds to treatment, and whether adjustments are needed. This is crucial when kidney failure progresses quickly. You may need dialysis catheters if:
- You need to start dialysis urgently
- You are waiting for an AV fistula or graft to mature
- You cannot safely use permanent dialysis access yet
- You have kidney failure requiring short-term access
- You need a temporary solution due to access complications
Why Choose Dr. Sydney Wong?
Dr. Sydney Wong is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with extensive experience in dialysis access procedures. He personally performs dialysis catheter placement and removal to ensure optimal safety and patient comfort. Dr. Wong carefully evaluates your anatomy and treatment timeline to ensure catheter access supports your needs and to plan for long-term solutions whenever possible.
What to Expect During Dialysis Catheter Placement or Removal?
You lie down comfortably while your skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using imaging guidance, the catheter is carefully inserted into a large vein and secured in place. You may feel pressure, but not pain. For catheter removal, the area is numbed, the catheter is withdrawn, and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding. Next, you receive clear instructions on how to care for the site afterward.
Benefits of Dialysis Catheters
Dialysis catheters provide a practical solution for rapid or temporary dialysis access. They provide reliable blood flow while supporting ongoing kidney care. Benefits include:
- Allowing immediate access for dialysis
- Supporting treatment while permanent access matures
- Avoiding delays in urgent dialysis situations
- Accommodating patients with complex vascular anatomy
- Temporary option when other access is not available
Dialysis Catheters FAQs
How Long Can a Dialysis Catheter Stay in Place?
A dialysis catheter can remain in place for weeks to months, depending on your medical needs and how well it functions. While catheters are not intended to be permanent, they are often used while you wait for an AV fistula or graft to mature. Your care team will monitor the catheter and recommend removal once a more durable access option is available.
When is a Dialysis Catheter Removed?
A dialysis catheter is typically removed once it is no longer needed, such as when a fistula or graft is ready for use or when dialysis access changes. Removal is simple. The catheter is gently withdrawn under local anesthesia, and pressure is applied to allow the vein to seal.
Can You Shower or Bathe With a Dialysis Catheter?
You can usually shower with precautions, but soaking the catheter site in a bath or swimming is not recommended. Keeping the dressing clean, dry, and secure is essential to prevent infection. During your consultation, your care team will explain exactly how to protect the catheter site during daily activities and what signs of infection to watch for.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atrium Vascular Associates is dedicated to providing thoughtful, individualized dialysis access care led by Dr. Sydney Wong. Conveniently located in Richmond Hill, our clinic serves patients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Schedule a consultation to discuss your dialysis catheter placement or removal needs.
