Tunnelled central catheter is indicated when long-term venous access with frequent use is required (for example, antibiotics, TPN, transfusions, blood sampling, dialysis etc.).
Procedure
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. Tunnelled central catheters enter the vein at one location and exit the skin at a different location. The catheter is inserted through the skin and runs under the skin within the fat layer before entering a vein and using the plumbing of the veins the tip of the catheter is placed within a large vein in the chest. The catheter has a small cuff which is located within the fat layer near the skin insertion site. This cuff promotes ingrowth of surrounding tissues, anchoring the catheter in place and possibly providing a mechanical barrier to bacterial migration.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes and is performed as a day procedure.