Dialysis catheter

Chronic catheters contain a dacron cuff that is tunneled beneath the skin approximately 3–8 cm.

These types of catheters are usually smaller in size, placed directly in the vein, and are two or three lumens in design.

The third lumen is useful for administration of fluids, antibiotics, medicines, or contrast without having to find other places for intravenous access.

[1] Common site of catheter placement is placed by puncturing the right internal jugular vein (IJV) in the neck, advancing into superior vena cava (SVC) towards the right atrium of the heart due to its straightforward path into the SVC.

Alternatively, a SVC catheter can be inserted via the right external jugular vein (EJV) if right IJV is inaccessible.

Surgically created arteriovenous fistulae are preferred over catheters for patients with chronic kidney failure,[2] as the risk of infections (e.g., endocarditis, bacteremia), hospitalization and death are lower.