Permcath Insertion
Patients undergoing dialysis require the insertion of catheters, which are hollow tubes facilitating the exchange of blood between the hemodialysis machine and the patient. These catheters are introduced into the patient’s veins to establish recurrent access to their bloodstream.
A Permcath is a type of plastic tubing, used for hemodialysis. It has a hidden cuff that secures it in place and helps prevent infections. The visible part of the catheter, about 6 inches long, is made of soft, white, flexible plastic and protrudes from the chest wall.
At Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our nephrologists provide permacath insertion for patients undergoing dialysis. With a team of expert doctors and advanced procedures and technologies, we are recognised as the best hospital for permacath insertion in Hyderabad.
Procedure for Permacath Insertion
- A flexible tube known as an IV Cannula is inserted into the back of the hand to administer drugs directly into the vein.
- Patients are instructed to lie flat on the bed while sedatives are administered intravenously to induce relaxation and alleviate any discomfort during the procedure.
- Antiseptic solution or sterile preparation is applied to the body area where the catheter will be inserted.
- The doctor monitors the patient’s blood oxygen levels and then guides a wire into the superior vena cava or right atrium of the heart through the internal jugular vein.
- A cuff, located under the chest wall, secures the catheter in place.
- The area where the catheter exits the chest wall is sutured, and a transparent dressing is applied over the sutured area.
- Cath Lab imaging tests are conducted post Permcath insertion to confirm its position, typically lasting around 45-50 minutes.
- Permcath offers advantages such as reduced infection risk and longer durability compared to jugular catheters.
Pre-Procedure Care
- Abstain from consuming food or beverages for a minimum of 4 hours prior to the procedure.
- Notify the doctor about all current medications, particularly if taking blood thinners.
- Disclose any known allergies to medications or past history of infections to the doctor.
- Dress in comfortable attire and refrain from bringing valuables or jewellery to the appointment.
- Avoid wearing dentures, hearing aids, or eyeglasses during the procedure.
- Undergo necessary blood tests, physical examinations, and Doppler scans before the permcath insertion.
Post-Procedure Care
- Refrain from lifting weights exceeding 5 kilograms.
- Avoid getting the catheter or dressing wet during baths.
- Notify the doctor immediately if symptoms such as pain, fever, discharge, or redness develop at the catheter site.
- Inform the doctor of any bleeding occurring at the site.
- Abstain from participating in vigorous activities like contact sports and swimming.
- Ensure that the dressing over the site remains clean and dry to secure the catheter in place and reduce the risk of infections.
How To Remove The Permacath Catheter?
Permacath catheters may be removed for various reasons:
- When they are no longer necessary.
- If an infection has been resolved or occurred.
- Due to the availability of more effective alternatives in the market.
The removal procedure is generally considered simpler than the insertion into jugular veins. The removal process typically takes about 15 minutes and involves the following steps:
- Administering anaesthesia to the patient, though it’s not always mandatory.
- Making a careful incision to extract the catheter from the patient’s body.
- Properly stitching the incision.
Patients are discharged from the hospital after the procedure.
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