Hemodialysis Catheters: A Simple Guide to Care, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting

How to Care for Your Hemodialysis Catheter and Keep It Working Well

If you or a loved one is undergoing hemodialysis, you’ve likely heard about hemodialysis catheters. These small tubes play a crucial role in cleaning your blood when your kidneys can no longer do their job. But how do you take care of them? What should you do if something goes wrong? This blog will break it all down in simple, easy-to-understand language to help you keep your catheter working well and avoid complications.

What is a Hemodialysis Catheter?

A hemodialysis catheter is a soft tube placed in a large vein, usually in your neck, to allow blood to flow in and out during dialysis. There are two main types:

  1. Temporary Catheters: Used for short-term dialysis, often in emergencies.

  2. Tunneled Catheters: Designed for longer-term use and are less likely to cause infections.

Both types have two openings (lumens): one to draw blood out and another to return cleaned blood to your body.

Why is Catheter Care Important?

Taking good care of your catheter is essential to prevent infections, clotting, and other complications. Proper care ensures your catheter lasts longer and your dialysis treatments are effective.

How to Take Care of Your Hemodialysis Catheter

Proper catheter care prevents infections and clotting, ensuring effective dialysis.

1. Keep the Catheter Site Clean and Dry

  • The dressing around your catheter must always be clean and dry.
  • Your dialysis care team will change the dressing during each session.
  • Keep an emergency dressing kit at home in case you need to change it.

2. Prevent Infections

  • Never touch or remove the cap at the end of your catheter.
  • Always wear a mask while your catheter is being accessed.
  • Caregivers must wear gloves and a mask when handling your catheter.
  • If you notice redness, pain, or discharge, contact your doctor immediately.

3. Be Careful While Bathing

  • Use a waterproof dressing while taking a shower to prevent water from entering the catheter site.
  • Avoid submerging the catheter in water (e.g., while taking a bath or swimming).

 

Signs That Your Catheter is Not Working Properly

If your catheter is clogged or infected, it will not function properly, affecting your dialysis.

Watch Out for These Symptoms

Clotting Signs

  • Slower blood flow during dialysis
  • Alarm beeping during dialysis due to low blood flow
  • Need for longer dialysis sessions

Infection Symptoms

  • Fever and chills
  • Redness, pain, or tenderness at the catheter site
  • Pus or drainage from the catheter
  • Feeling weak and unwell

What to Do if Your Catheter is Blocked?

  • A clot-dissolving medication (tPA) can help remove the clot and restore blood flow.
  • If the clot is not treated early, the catheter may need replacement.
  • Contact your dialysis care team immediately if you notice a drop in blood flow rate.

How to Keep Your Hemodialysis Catheter Working Well?

1. Follow Your Treatment Plan

  • Never skip dialysis sessions and always complete the full treatment.
  • Arrive on time for each dialysis appointment.

2. Monitor Your Dialysis Quality

  • Ask your dialysis team about Kt/V and URR numbers, which indicate how well your treatment is working.
  • If your numbers are too low, your catheter may not be working well.

3. Communicate with Your Dialysis Team

Ask your doctor:

  • How can I tell if my catheter is not working?
  • What blood flow rate is required for my treatment?
  • When will I receive clot-dissolving medication if my catheter is blocked?
  • What are the signs of infection that need urgent attention?

 

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your hemodialysis catheter is essential for a safe and effective dialysis treatment. Follow the hygiene and care tips mentioned above, and communicate with your dialysis team if you notice any issues. Early detection of clots or infections can prevent serious complications and help you continue dialysis smoothly.

If you or a loved one is on hemodialysis, share this guide to help them take better care of their catheter and stay healthy!

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Dr Pritam Lala Khomane
Nephrologist and Renal Transplant Physician

© 2024 Dr Pritam Lala Khoman

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