Dialysis Catheter Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ

WHAT IS DIALYSIS CATHETER SURGERY?

Dialysis is a treatment for patients diagnosed with kidney failure or kidney disease. When dialysis is ordered, patients receive it on a consistent, ongoing basis to help rid the body of unwanted waste products, toxins, and excess fluids by cleaning and filtering the blood. Dialysis is a necessary and effective treatment for men and women in various stages of kidney disease and can often take the place of some kidney function. With dialysis, proper medical care, adhering to a healthy lifestyle, and using certain medications, people can live longer lives. In order for a patient to begin dialysis treatment, a dialysis catheter must first be inserted. At Arizona Premier Surgery serving the greater Phoenix area with locations in Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Chandler, our skilled, experienced surgeons can work with your kidney specialist and perform dialysis catheter insertion and removal per your specialized treatment plan.

HOW THE DIALYSIS CATHETER WORKS

A dialysis catheter is a small, hollow tube that is carefully placed into a patient’s vein so that repeated access to a patient’s bloodstream can occur without the need for removal. This special catheter is necessary for patients undergoing dialysis treatment and is used for exchanging blood to and from the hemodialysis machine. During each dialysis treatment session, your medical provider will carefully connect the tubes from the dialysis machine to the aspect of the catheter that is located outside of your body. This allows for blood to easily be removed and replaced without having to reinsert the catheter each time.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING DIALYSIS CATHETER INSERTION?

Dialysis catheter insertion is performed at Arizona Premier Surgery to ensure the catheter is properly inserted and in place so that you can receive your dialysis treatments. Prior to inserting the catheter, we will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse. General anesthesia is not necessary in most cases, and instead, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein located in either your arm or hand. The IV line will allow our team to provide a sedative during the procedure. The area of the body where the catheter will be inserted will be cleaned, shaved, and sterilized, and then numbed with a local anesthetic. Using a specialized image-guidance microscope, the catheter will be placed into your vein using gentle manipulation so it fits properly and comfortably. The procedure generally takes about 40 minutes.

After the catheter is in place, patients will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity. There may be some swelling and bruising at the insertion site. We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your catheter, but the most important factor is that it is kept clean and dry. Following catheter insertion surgery, it is important to contact our surgical center if you experience any complications, such as fever, bleeding or drainage, or increased swelling at the insertion site.

ABOUT DIALYSIS CATHETER REMOVAL

Once your dialysis treatment has concluded, you will need to have the catheter removed. Catheter removal may also occur if you need a new catheter or if there is a problem with the current one. You will return to Arizona Premier Surgery for this process. Using image-guided technology, your surgeon will make a tiny incision and safely remove the catheter from the vein. A local anesthetic is used during this process to help minimize any discomfort. It is common for patients to feel a sensation when the catheter is coming out, but this does not cause pain. Once the catheter and port are removed, the area will be sutured and covered with a bandage. After-care for catheter removal includes daily cleaning and protection of the area. It may take a few days or weeks, but the area where the catheter resided should begin to appear normal.