The S-Tunnel for Tunnelled Dialysis Catheter: An Alternative Approach to the Prevention of Displacement

Abstract

Purpose Vascular access has been described in the literature anywhere from the ‘Achilles Heel’ to the ‘Cornerstone’ of haemodialysis. Displacement of a central venous catheter is not an uncommon occurrence. We discuss an alternative method of placement for the tunnelled central venous catheter to prevent displacement in those patients with excess anterior chest wall soft tissue. Methods A new surgical technique for placement of a tunnelled central venous catheter was developed in an attempt to reduce the number of displacements. This involved the creation of a second tunnel at a 90° angle to the original retrograde tunnelled path. Results The authors have currently placed five ‘S-Line’ tunnelled central venous catheters with no reports of displacement or line infection over a period of 18 months. Conclusions The ‘S-Line’ offers a simple, straightforward and most importantly safe method to reduce the incidence of tunnelled right internal jugular central venous catheter displacement.