Catheter (CVC)

Catheter placement is usually performed under local anesthesia, so no pain or discomfort is felt during the procedure. Mild discomfort may be felt afterwards, but it is usually slight and temporary.

The catheter site must not be exposed to water. It is therefore recommended to cover the catheter site with a waterproof material when showering. It is best to follow the advice of your doctor or nurse.

A dialysis catheter provides immediate vascular access, making it suitable for patients who need urgent dialysis. It is also used as a temporary access method for patients waiting for a fistula or graft.

The most common complications include infection, blockage, displacement of the catheter and air embolism. These risks are minimized with correct placement and care techniques.

A blocked catheter can cause low blood flow rates during dialysis. If a blockage occurs, you should contact your dialysis team immediately. They may use special solutions or techniques to clear the blockage.

How long a catheter can stay in place depends on its type. Non-tunneled catheters are generally for short-term use, while tunneled catheters can remain longer. The aim is to switch to a permanent vascular access (fistula) whenever possible.

A non-tunneled catheter is placed directly into the vein and is intended for urgent, short-term use. In a tunneled catheter, the catheter passes through a short tunnel under the skin; this reduces the risk of infection and allows longer-term use.

The dressing and care of the catheter site are carried out by the dialysis team under sterile conditions during sessions. It is recommended that you do not open the dressing at home and that you keep the area dry and clean.

Fever, chills or shivering may be signs of a catheter infection and must be taken seriously. Contact your team immediately without waiting for your next session, or go to the emergency department.

No. The catheter site must not come into contact with water; swimming in the sea, a pool or a bathtub is not recommended because of the risk of infection.

If the catheter comes out partially or completely, press on the exit site with a clean cloth, do not try to push the catheter back in, and go to the emergency department immediately or call 112.

Avoid tight clothes and sudden movements that could pull on the catheter, and make sure the catheter ends are closed. The catheter should only be used for dialysis; it must not be used to give medication or draw blood for any other purpose.

When the catheter is no longer needed, it is removed by a physician in a short procedure. Afterwards, pressure is applied to the site for a while and it is covered.

Catheters carry a higher risk of infection and blockage than a fistula. For this reason, a catheter mostly serves as a bridge until the fistula matures; in the long term, a fistula is preferred.

Redness, discharge, a bad smell or increasing pain at the catheter exit site may be signs of infection. Inform your team without opening the dressing yourself.