Tunneled catheter insertion is a procedure to insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a vein. The catheter makes it easier to draw blood, give blood products, remove waste products from the blood (hemodialysis), and give medicines. This procedure is usually done when the bloodstream needs to be accessed many times over a long period of time.
Tunneled catheters can be placed in different parts of the body depending on how they will be used. The most common place for tunnel catheter insertion is the neck . During the procedure, part of the catheter is tunneled under the skin. This means that the catheter does not exit the body right next to the insertion site. Instead, it is "tunneled" under the skin , away from the insertion site, so …show more content…
• A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
• A medicine that is injected into your spine to numb the area below and slightly above the injection site (spinal anesthetic).
• A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anesthetic).
• Your surgeon may perform an ultrasound at your insertion site. An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to produce an image of your insertion site. This helps your surgeon see your veins more clearly.
• Two incisions will be made at your insertion site. Usually the incisions are several inches away from each other . If your catheter will be inserted in your neck, the incisions may be made in your lower neck and your shoulder or upper chest.
• A tunnel will be made under your skin, between your two incisions. This will be done by cutting some of the tissue beneath your skin.
• A small wire (guidewire) will be inserted into your vein. The guidewire will help move the catheter into your vein.
• The catheter will be inserted into your vein and into the tunnel under your