Dialysis catheter placement

Dialysis catheter placement is a procedure used to insert a special tube, called a catheter, into a large vein—usually in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest, or sometimes the groin—to provide access for hemodialysis. This catheter allows blood to flow from the body to a dialysis machine, where it is filtered and then returned. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia with ultrasound and X-ray guidance to ensure proper positioning. There are two main types: temporary (non-tunneled) catheters, used for short-term dialysis, and tunneled catheters, which are placed under the skin and designed for longer-term use. Dialysis catheter placement is typically used as a temporary option when immediate dialysis is needed and long-term access options, such as an arteriovenous fistula, are not yet ready or available.