Tunneled/Permacath Placement
- Placement: Inserted with minor surgical procedure, where a section of the catheter is "tunneled" under the skin (usually on the chest wall) before entering a major vein.
- Duration: Designed for medium- to long-term use, lasting from several months, when a permanent access (like an AV fistula or graft) is not yet ready or feasible.
- Design: Features a cuff (a small ring around the catheter under the skin) that promotes tissue growth around it, which helps anchor the catheter in place and creates a barrier against infection.
- Infection Risk: The tunneling and the cuff significantly lower the risk of infection compared to temporary catheters.
