OBJECTIVES

On completion of this unit the physician should be able to:

1. Be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a tunneled dialysis catheter.
2. Have a working knowledge of catheter design issues.
3. Have a working knowledge of the general principles of tunneled dialysis catheter placement.
4. Have a working knowledge of complications related to tunneled dialysis catheter dysfunction and thrombosis and their management.
5. Have a working knowledge of catheter related bloodstream infection - the types of infection that might be seen, their diagnosis, their management, and prevention.
6. Have a working knowledge of acute dialysis catheters - their placement, complications and the management of these complications.