What to Expect Before and After Dialysis Catheter Placement

If you need hemodialysis, you’ll also need catheter placement. It’s normal to be anxious about the process. However, knowing what to expect can ease your worries and help you feel more prepared. Here’s what you need to know.

Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes and remove toxins. However, if you have kidney failure, it means your kidneys can no longer keep up with filtering waste products — and you’ll need dialysis to perform this essential function.

Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. A dialysis catheter is a small, flexible tube inserted into a large vein to provide access for hemodialysis. If you're scheduled to have a dialysis catheter placed, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. However, our team at Vascular & Interventional Specialists is here to help.

Understanding what to expect before and after the procedure can ease your mind and prepare you for a successful experience. Here’s what you need to know.

The basics of dialysis catheters

A dialysis catheter is a thin tube placed into a large vein. It’s usually located in either your neck, chest, or groin to provide access to your bloodstream. This catheter is used during dialysis treatments to filter waste products and excess fluids from your blood.

Dialysis catheters can be temporary or longer-term, depending on your condition.

Preparing for dialysis catheter placement

Before your placement, we perform a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you’re ready for the catheter placement. This evaluation typically includes blood tests, a review of your medical history, and imaging studies to determine the best location for the catheter.

Tell us about any medications you’re currently taking, as some may need to be adjusted prior to the procedure. We give you specific instructions to prepare, and you should follow them closely.

Once you’re here, we explain the steps involved in the catheter placement and address any questions or concerns. We do the procedure using local anesthesia, meaning you'll be awake but won't feel any pain in the area where the catheter is being placed. You may also be given a mild sedative to help you relax.

The entire process typically takes less than an hour, and we monitor you closely throughout the procedure.

What to expect after dialysis catheter placement

After we place the catheter, our team monitors your vital signs for a short period. Most people can go home the same day.

We will give you specific instructions on how to care for the catheter site before you go home. Keeping the area clean and dry is essential to prevent infection, which is one of the main risks associated with dialysis catheters. You’ll also need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities that could dislodge the catheter.

Caring for your dialysis catheter

Taking care of your dialysis catheter is the best way to avoid complications like infection and clotting. We’ll teach you how to shower safely, protect the catheter during daily activities, and clean the catheter site.

Along with regular cleaning, it is important to monitor for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge. Contact us immediately if you experience fever, chills, or pain around the catheter site.

You’ll also need to attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure the catheter is functioning properly. Your dialysis center will also be responsible for maintaining the catheter and ensuring it’s working correctly during your hemodialysis treatments.

Life after dialysis catheter placement

Once your dialysis catheter is in place, you can begin your dialysis treatments as scheduled. Most people adapt well to life with a catheter. Still, it’s essential to remain vigilant about catheter care to reduce your risk of complications.

In some cases, we may discuss more permanent access options, like arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft. However, dialysis catheters provide a reliable solution in both temporary and long-term situations when other access options aren’t feasible.

Maintaining open communication with our team is vital for managing your overall health and well-being, and we’re available to answer any questions you may have.

You can feel more prepared and confident as you navigate this essential step in your treatment journey. To learn more about what to expect with dialysis catheter placement, contact Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Miami, Florida, at 305-230-4664 or request an appointment online today.