Tunneled Dialysis Catheters: Perspective from a Single Interventional Radiology Center

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Nephrology nursing journal : journal of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association

Volume

50

Issue

6

Keywords

acute kidney injury; end stage kidney disease; interventional radiology; non-tunneled dialysis catheter; tunneled dialysis catheter

Abstract

Tunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs) serve as vascular access for hemodialysis (HD) or plasmapheresis. This study examines the frequency and indications for TDC placement and removal by an interventional radiology service over a 5-year period. Indications for catheter placement ( = 289) included HD for patients with end stage kidney disease (65%) or acute kidney injury (AKI, 24%), and plasmapheresis (11%). Indications for catheter removal included infection (20%), dysfunction (33%), no longer needed (40%), and patient issues (7%). TDCs provide access for HD when a functioning arteriovenous access does not exist. Using a TDC in patients with AKI reduces catheter complications, such as mechanical dysfunction and infection, and provides better dialysis delivery. TDC placement in patients with AKI, despite its time and resource intensity, provides medical and financial benefits.

Department

Medicine

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