Permcath insertion involves placing a tunnelled hemodialysis catheter to provide long-term access for regular hemodialysis patients. This catheter is designed to allow efficient blood flow, ensuring reliable dialysis treatments, especially for patients with kidney disease unsuitable for AV fistula or grafts.
The Permcath insertion procedure is a minimally invasive technique performed to establish safe and durable vascular access for hemodialysis. Here’s how it works:
Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray are used to identify the best vein (usually the jugular or subclavian) for catheter placement.
Patients are monitored briefly after the procedure and provided with detailed home care and catheter maintenance instructions.
This type of catheter is designed for long-term hemodialysis. The tunnelled Permcath is placed under the skin, reducing infection risks and providing a stable and durable access point for frequent dialysis treatments.
Non-tunneled catheters are used for short-term or emergency hemodialysis access. They are inserted directly into a vein and are not tunnelled under the skin, making them suitable for temporary use only.
Temporary catheters are typically placed for short-term dialysis access, often in acute settings or when other access points are unavailable.
While the Permcath insertion procedure is generally safe, potential risks include: