What is a chronic hemodialysis catheter?
According to KDOQI, a chronic, long-term, or tunneled cuffed catheter (TCC) is a device intended for use longer than 1 week that is typically tunneled and has a cuff to promote fibrous in-growth to prevent catheter migration and accidental withdrawal. These catheters are designed to remain in place for an extended period of time, allowing vascular access for dialysis. Benefits of this catheter include the dialysis nurse’s ability to start dialysis through the catheter rather than using a graft or fistula in the patient’s arm. Also, a chronic hemodialysis catheter provides a vascular access in patients who cannot have or do not want fistulas or grafts due to their medical condition.
A chronic hemodialysis catheter is designed to remain in place for an extended period of time, allowing vascular access for dialysis. Benefits of this catheter include the dialysis nurse’s ability to start dialysis through the catheter rather than using a graft or fistula in the patient’s arm. Also, a chronic hemodialysis catheter provides a vascular access in patients who cannot have or do not want fistulas or grafts due to their medical condition.
