Dialysis Catheter Services – Orbis Vascular

Dialysis Catheter Services

While fistulas and grafts are preferred for long-term hemodialysis, many patients need a dialysis catheter at some point in their care. At Orbis Vascular, we provide safe, efficient placement, exchange, and removal of catheters, as well as treatment of central venous occlusions that can interfere with access.

Our team works closely with your nephrologist and dialysis center to minimize interruptions in treatment and protect your veins for future access options.

Access Placement

Dialysis Catheter Insertion

Dialysis catheter insertion provides immediate access to the bloodstream when dialysis must start right away or when a fistula or graft is not yet ready for use. Using ultrasound and X-ray guidance, the physician places a soft, flexible catheter into a large central vein, most commonly in the neck or upper chest.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Careful imaging helps ensure correct positioning of the catheter tip for effective dialysis and reduces the risk of complications.

  • Provides rapid access when urgent dialysis is needed
  • Guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy for precise placement
  • Can be temporary (non-tunneled) or longer-term (tunneled) depending on your needs
  • Coordinated with your dialysis team to start treatments quickly
Catheter Care

Dialysis Catheter Exchange & Management

Over time, dialysis catheters can become infected, damaged, or develop poor flow. Catheter exchange allows the physician to remove a malfunctioning catheter and replace it with a new one, often through the same tunnel or vein, to restore performance while minimizing additional vein trauma.

Catheter management also includes evaluation of tip position, treatment of fibrin sheaths or clots, and coordination of care if infection is suspected.

  • Replacement of catheters with poor flow or mechanical problems
  • Evaluation and correction of catheter position under imaging
  • Management of fibrin sheath or partial clots around the catheter
  • Supports safer, more efficient dialysis treatments
Catheter Removal

Dialysis Catheter Removal

Once a fistula or graft is functioning well, the goal is to remove the dialysis catheter to reduce infection risk and preserve central veins. Catheter removal is usually a brief outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.

In most cases, the catheter is gently withdrawn and pressure is applied to the site. In more complex situations—such as long-standing catheters with scarring—the removal may require additional techniques or imaging guidance.

  • Removes temporary access once permanent access is ready
  • Helps lower long-term infection and clotting risk
  • Preserves central veins for future access options
  • Often completed quickly with minimal recovery time
Central Vein Therapy

Central Venous Occlusion Treatment

Repeated catheter use, prior lines, or other conditions can cause narrowing or complete blockage (occlusion) of the central veins in the chest. Central venous occlusion may lead to arm and facial swelling, difficulty with catheter function, or challenges in creating new access.

Treatment typically involves endovascular techniques such as angioplasty and, in some cases, stent placement to reopen the vein and improve blood flow. Restoring central venous patency is often essential for successful long-term dialysis access planning.

  • Diagnoses narrowing or blockage of major chest veins
  • Balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement to restore flow
  • Can relieve swelling and improve catheter or fistula performance
  • Helps preserve options for future access creation

The information on this page is for general education and does not replace advice from your nephrologist or vascular specialist. Your care team will recommend the catheter strategy that best fits your overall health and long-term access plan.