PermCath Insertion & Fistulaplasty in Dialysis Patients

1) PermCath Insertion

A PermCath is a tunneled central venous catheter used for hemodialysis, mainly when:

  • An AV fistula or graft is not yet ready

  • Immediate (urgent) dialysis is required

Key Points:

  • Site: Usually inserted into the internal jugular vein (neck) or chest

  • Procedure: Done under local anesthesia using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance

  • Advantage: Allows immediate dialysis access

  • Duration: Short- to medium-term solution

Possible Risks:

  • Infection

  • Blood clots (thrombosis)

  • Catheter blockage or malfunction

2) Fistulaplasty (AV Fistula Angioplasty)

Fistulaplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowing (stenosis) in an AV fistula to improve blood flow for effective dialysis.

Key Points:

  • A small balloon is inflated inside the narrowed segment of the fistula

  • Restores proper blood flow and fistula function

  • Performed under local anesthesia

  • Often done as a day-care procedure

Benefits:

  • Saves the patient’s existing AV fistula

  • Improves dialysis adequacy

  • Reduces the need for new fistula creation or catheter use

PermCath vs Fistulaplasty (Quick Comparison)

Feature PermCath Insertion Fistulaplasty
Purpose Temporary dialysis access Restore AV fistula function
Type Catheter-based access Balloon angioplasty
Use Duration Short / intermediate term Long-term fistula preservation
Infection Risk Higher Lower

Summary:
PermCath provides temporary dialysis access, while fistulaplasty helps maintain and restore long-term dialysis access by preserving the AV fistula.

Book an Appointment / Consultation

If you have been advised for aspiration, drainage, or biopsy—our expert interventional radiology team can provide safe, accurate, and minimally invasive treatment options.

📞 Contact / WhatsApp: 0370-7353445 , 0326-4053417 , 0323-0825571

📍 Clinic Location:

Farooq Hospital :

Avenue Mall, Main Ghazi Rd, DHA, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Mian Muree Expressway, Bahria Golf City Rawalpindi.

🕒 Appointment Timings: 24/7