Temporary
Vascular Access
“Hemodialysis Catheter”
What is a Vascular Access?
It is a means of getting into your bloodstream, or vascular
system, for hemodialysis treatments.
Why Do You Need a
Temporary Vascular Access?
If you need to start hemodialysis before your graft or fistula
(permanent access) is ready to use, or if you have no
permanent access, a temporary access, or hemodialysis
catheter, is needed. This catheter can be used immediately.
What is a “Hemodialysis Catheter”?
It is a soft hollow tube that can be placed inside a large
vein. It may be placed in a vein in your neck (View A) or in
a vein in your chest (View B). A doctor inserts the catheter
using a local or general anaesthetic. The doctor will make a
small incision, or opening, in your skin over the vein. The
catheter is then threaded into the vein. The doctor will then
attach the catheter to your skin with stitches, to hold it
in place. A bandage will cover the area where the catheter
enters the skin. This procedure will be done in the Radiology
Department, on the ward or in the operating room.
Part of the hemodialysis catheter extends a few inches
out of your skin. It has two channels and these are clamped
and sealed when not in use. The nurses in the Hemodialysis
Unit will change the bandage over your catheter when
required and flush the line clear after each use.
How Do You Care For
Your Hemodialysis Catheter?
The risk of infection is the biggest problem for hemodialysis
catheters. To help avoid infection, follow these tips:
1. Try not to touch the catheter. Moving and bending the
catheter can cause irritation and this may lead to an
infection around where the catheter enters your skin.
2. Avoid getting the bandage wet – a tub bath is the best
way to wash while you have a hemodialysis catheter.
3. Do not remove the bandage – if the bandage peels off, wash
your hands well and tape the bandage back into place.
4. Call the Hemodialysis Unit or your doctor immediately
if you have any of the following problems:
• A fever (temperature above 38°) or chills
• Pain, redness, oozing, or swelling around the site
(in some hospitals, see-through bandages are used
and you may notice changes)
If the hemodialysis catheter falls out, or slips part
of the way out, apply firm pressure over the area with
a clean gauze or cloth and come in to the hospital
Emergency Department immediately.
View A
View B
When you no longer need your hemodialysis catheter it will
be removed. A bandage is then applied and should be left on
for 24–48 hours. Sometimes one or two stitches are needed
and they are removed 5–7 days later. The opening in your
skin will heal.
Contact Information
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)
Kidney Doctor’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-5950
Dialysis Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-4181
Vascular Access Clinic. . . . . . . . . 604-875-4111 Local 63138
Kidney Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-5958
St. Pauls Hospital
Vascular Access Clinic, (7:00 am–3:00 pm). . . 604-682-2344
Local 62421
Hemodialysis Unit, (7:00 am–11:00 pm).. . . . . 604-806-8453
Nephrologist Office (After Hours) . . . . . . . . . . 604-681-7191
Children’s Hospital
Hemodialysis Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-2345 Local 7418
Renal Clinic Nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-2345 Local 6778
Nephrologist Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-875-2324
For more copies, go online at http://vch.eduhealth.ca
or email [email protected] and quote Catalogue No. FP.460.T249
© Vancouver Coastal Health, March 2017
The information in this document is intended solely for the person
to whom it was given by the health care team.
www.vch.ca