Differentiating IV Dialysis Catheters

[Gldngrl]

I'm looking for articles and/or photos of different types of dialysis catheters.

How does one tell what type of catheter it is, if not told, or are they documented simply as dual lumen dialysis catheter, etc.? Thanks in advance.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

No, I'm not offended...it's the nature of the internet that our emotions don't register easily through our writings. I agree with you that those caths shouldn't really be used for anything, but HD and I'm glad that I work w/ on a unit where the staff and docs will try for venous access and at times, we'll dose the antibiotics/ bld transfusion w/ HD if it's feasible. I'm extremely cautious with the caths and I'm glad my patients are too, they watch me like a hawk :) , after all, it's their lifeline.

Thanx. (((HUGS)))

And yes, it's their LIFELINE for sure. And I'm verrrrrrrrrrrry protective of my patients... after all.. after seven years, they're FAMILY !!!

[craftyRN]

I follow the access/deaccess policy to the letter and maintain sterile technique and I personally have more of a problem w/ the stories I hear about unlicensed personnel's ability to access these catheters for HD.

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that in order to access a pt's catheter or permacath for HD (at least in the state of TX) you must be a Registered Nurse. I hope this helps to ease some of your concerns.

-craftyRN

[rubyslippers]

I just wanted to add that it is important to distinquish if the catheter is a "tunneled" or a "temporary" and to document this in your notes. The reason being, that a tunneled cath is less likely to come out accidently(because of its cuff and it is tunneled under the skin) versus a temporary cath that is not securely tunneled inside and the only measure holding that kind of cath in place is the outside anchor stitches. If the anchor stitches come out on a temporary cath, the MD needs to be notified immediately as placement may be compromised. Oh, just one last note about temp. caths- in our area, these caths are only used for very short-term period - usually no longer than 2 wks. - until pt. can get a more permanent access. If you notice that a pt. has a temp. cath longer than 2 wks. then let nephrologist, primary, dialysis know(although they should already be aware).:)

[Dialysis RN1]

It should be printed near the hub of the catheter. if not I would call the surgery dept, or IR and ask what they used. it should also be listed on the op report.