How do I access a dialysis port?

As a hemodialysis patient, your access is one of the following:

1. A fistula, an access made by joining an artery and vein in your arm.
2. A graft, an access made by using a piece of soft tube to join an artery and vein in your arm.
3. A catheter, a soft tube that is placed in a large vein, usually in your neck.

Can you do dialysis through a Portacath?

We present two case reports of peritoneal dialysis patients without a peripheral vein access were a Port-a-Cath (Port-a-Cath® Deltec® Smiths Medical) was placed to sort out long-term access. Port-a-Cath manipulation was simple, safe and had no complications neither at implantation nor during its use.

Are ports used for dialysis?

The outside end of your catheter has multiple ports, one of which is used to draw blood into a dialysis machine, while the other is used to deliver blood from the machine back into your vein.

How long can you use a port for dialysis?

A fistula will usually last for many years. A fistula usually takes one to four months to “mature” or enlarge before it can be used. If you are already receiving hemodialysis using an AV graft or catheter, ask your doctor about the benefits of a fistula.

How do you care for dialysis port?

Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wear clean medical gloves when you care for your port. Do not touch or handle your port unless you need to care for it. Clean the skin around your port every day. Ask your healthcare provider what to use to clean your skin. Check your skin for infection every day.

What are the types of dialysis ports?

Hemodialysis requires a vascular access site. This is an arterial and venous site on your body from which your blood is removed and returned after it is filtered by the dialysis machine. Three major forms of vascular access are used: Cheung, Alfred, K, Li, Li, Terry, Christi, M, and Shiu, Yan-Ting, E. 2008.

What are the types of dialysis access?

There are 3 types of dialysis access sites: fistula, graft or catheter. Depending on your health, the strength of your veins and other factors, you and your doctor can decide which type is best for you.

Where is kidney dialysis port located?

The port is usually inserted in the upper chest (known as a “chest port”), just below the clavicle or collar bone, leaving the patient’s hands free.