Patient Information
Vascular Access Procedures
Information for patients
This guide provides information about common vascular access procedures. These procedures are used to provide reliable access to your bloodstream for medications, treatments, or dialysis. They are typically performed using image guidance, under local anaesthetic, and most patients go home the same day.
1) Port-a-Cath (Implanted Venous Port) Insertion
A Port-a-Cath is a small medical device placed under the skin of the chest. It connects to a vein via a thin tube and allows medications or blood tests to be performed without repeated needle access to arm veins.
Why is it used?
- Long-term chemotherapy or cancer treatment
- Long-term intravenous medications
- Frequent blood tests
What to expect
- Performed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation
- A small incision is made in the chest and neck
- The port sits completely under the skin and is accessed with a special needle
- Usually a day procedure
- Ports can remain in place for months or years if required
2) Tunnelled Dialysis Catheter Insertion
A tunnelled dialysis catheter is a soft tube placed into a large vein, usually via the neck, and tunnelled under the skin before exiting on the chest. It provides immediate access for haemodialysis.
Why is it used?
- When dialysis needs to start urgently
- While waiting for a dialysis fistula or graft to mature
- When other dialysis access options are not yet available
What to expect
- Performed under local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation
- Placed in an interventional radiology suite using ultrasound and X-ray guidance
- The catheter can usually be used immediately
- Dressings and line care are managed by your dialysis nursing team
3) Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Insertion
A central venous catheter (CVC) is a thin tube placed into a large vein with the access site commonly in the arm or on the chest wall.
Why is it used?
- Short- to medium-term intravenous medications
- Fluids or nutrition
- Blood sampling
- Monitoring or specialised treatments
What to expect
- Usually placed under local anaesthetic
- Image guidance is used to ensure accurate and safe placement
- Most CVCs are temporary and removed once no longer required
4) Frequently Asked Questions
Will it be painful?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort, but significant pain is uncommon.
Can I go home the same day?
Most patients go home the same day once observations are complete. If sedation is used, you will need someone to take you home.
Will I have bruising or swelling?
Mild bruising, tenderness, or swelling around the insertion site is common and usually settles over a few days.
What about blood thinners?
Tell the hospital staff and doctor’s secretary if you take blood-thinning medications. You will be given specific instructions about whether these need to be paused.
When can I return to normal activities?
Light activities are usually fine within 24 hours. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or vigorous upper-body exercise should generally be avoided for several days, depending on the type of line placed.
Who looks after the catheter after the procedure?
Routine care, flushing, and dressing changes are usually managed by the referring team, such as oncology nursing staff, dialysis nursing staff, and hospital or community nurses.
How is the line removed?
When no longer needed
- Ports are removed in a minor procedure by Dr Hillhouse.
- Tunnelled dialysis catheters are removed by Dr Hillhouse once alternative dialysis access is established or dialysis is no longer needed.
- Temporary central lines can often be removed at the bedside by nursing staff.
Your referring team will arrange removal when appropriate.
Prepared for patients of Dr James Hillhouse, Interventional Radiologist.
This information is general and should be discussed with your treating clinicians.