What is short-term hemodialysis access?

Short-Term Hemodialysis Access
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Short-term vascular access for hemodialysis: Overview

To start hemodialysis (also called dialysis) right away, your doctor will insert a soft plastic tube into a vein. This tube will carry your blood to the dialysis machine. The tube is called a central vascular access device (CVAD), or a central line. It will be your vascular access until your permanent access is ready to use.

If you have a kidney injury that can be healed, you may need dialysis only for a short time. But some people will need to have long-term dialysis. This includes people with chronic kidney disease.

If you need long-term dialysis, it can take weeks or months for a permanent vascular access to be ready to use. You can use a CVAD until a permanent access site is ready.

It will be placed in a large vein, usually in your chest, neck or arm. Or it may be in your groin. A few stitches will hold it in place.

By learning how to care for your access, you will help avoid problems and get the best results from your dialysis treatments.

Short-term catheter for hemodialysis: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • The catheter comes out of your body.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the area.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.
  • You have liquid leaking from around the catheter.
  • There are cracks or leaks in the tube.
  • You have pain or swelling in your neck or arm.
  • The line becomes clogged.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

How can you care for yourself when you have a short-term catheter for hemodialysis?

  • Make sure the catheter is secured to your body and and isn't pulling.
  • Avoid clothes that rub or pull on your catheter.
  • Never use scissors or other sharp objects around your catheter.
  • Don't bend or crimp your catheter.
  • Ask your doctor or dialysis nurse when you can take a bath or shower. You may be able to do these things after the site heals or if you cover the site with a waterproof bandage.
  • You can stay active while the catheter is in. But talk to your doctor about the kind of activities you want to do.
  • Review emergency instructions with your dialysis team so you know what to do if your catheter comes out.
  • Keep your bandage and exit site dry and clean. Change a dirty or bloody bandage. Check the site every day for signs of infection.
  • Always wash your hands before you touch your catheter.
  • Keep the end of the catheter covered when it's not in use.
  • Wear a mask during your dialysis treatments. It can keep you from breathing germs onto your catheter.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.