Hemodialysis Catheters: How to Keep Yours Working Well
Hemodialysis is used to clean blood by removing excess fluid in case of kidney failure. Catheters are used to create permanent vascular access for blood exchange between patient and machine. The right placement of catheters is a crucial step for efficient hemodialysis.
Increasing prevalence of kidney diseases, aging population and increasing cases of diabetes are propelling the need of hemodialysis. For instance, as per the National Kidney Foundation, it affects 37 million people in the US. Moreover, increasing incidences of risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These two are expected to account for 75% of kidney failure. Increasing diabetic population in developing countries is further driving the growth of the market in the forecast period.
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The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recommends the AV (arteriovenous) fistula as the preferred choice for a permanent vascular access. The AV graft is the next preferred choice for a permanent access. The catheter is recommended for temporary access. There may be conditions that prevent you from having a fistula or graft and a catheter may be used.
What is a hemodialysis catheter?
The catheter used for hemodialysis is a tunneled catheter because it is placed under the skin. There are two types of tunneled catheters: cuffed or non-cuffed. Non-cuffed tunneled catheters are used for emergencies and for short periods (up to 3 weeks). Tunneled cuffed catheters, a type recommended by the NKF for temporary access, can be used for longer than 3 weeks when:
- An AV fistula or graft has been placed but is not yet ready for use.
- There are no other options for permanent access. For example, when a patient’s blood vessels are not strong enough for a fistula or graft.
Catheters have two openings inside; one is a red (arterial) opening to draw blood from your vein and out of your body into the dialysis pathway and the other is a blue (venous) opening that allows cleaned blood to return to your body.
How do I take care of my catheter?
By taking good care of your access, it will last longer and you will prevent problems such as infection and clotting. Here are some important steps to take:
- Keep the catheter dressing clean and dry.
- Make sure the area of the insertion site is clean and your care team changes the dressing at each dialysis session.
- Keep an emergency dressing kit at home, in case you need to change your dressing in between treatments. Ask your dialysis care team to teach you how to change dressings in an emergency.
- Never remove the cap on the end of your catheter. Air must not enter the catheter.
- You can shower or bathe if you have a clear dressing that sticks to your catheter site and the skin around it. This type of dressing is recommended because it’s water proof, which helps prevent infection. And because it’s clear, you can see signs of infection. You should avoid letting the catheter or catheter site go under water during a bath. This would increase the chance of moisture getting near the catheter site, which can cause infection.
Key companion are Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, Nikkiso Co. Ltd, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Nipro Medical Corporation, Toray Medical Co., Ltd., Baxter International Inc., Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., NxStage Medical, Inc., Outset Medical, Inc, and Allmed Medical Corporation.