Permacath Placement in Mohali
Long-Term Dialysis Access |

What is a Permacath?
Understanding Your Long-Term Hemodialysis Access
Who Needs a Permacath Insertion?
However, a Permacath may be considered for patients who need hemodialysis access when an AV fistula or graft is unavailable or unsuitable. Your doctor may recommend a Permacath insertion in Mohali if:
✅ An arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft has failed or is not an option.
✅ Other vascular access sites in your arms are no longer suitable.
✅ An AV fistula needs more time to mature before dialysis use.
✅ Your dialysis team recommends a tunneled catheter for ongoing hemodialysis access.
Signs You May Need a New Dialysis Access
If you experience any of the following with your current access, it may be time to consider a tunneled dialysis catheter placement:
❗ Your current AV fistula or graft is not maturing or is failing to provide adequate blood flow.
❗ You have developed an infection at your current dialysis access site.
❗ A blood clot blocks your dialysis access or restricts blood flow.
❗ Your dialysis nurse has difficulty achieving sufficient blood flow during your treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors for Dialysis Access Failure

Blood Clots
For example, a clot inside a blood vessel or catheter can block blood flow during dialysis.

Vein Narrowing (Stenosis
The vein can become narrow over time, restricting blood flow.

Infection
Over time, a vein may narrow and, as a result, restrict blood flow.

Previous Surgeries
In addition, scarring from previous vascular access procedures can make suitable veins harder to identify.

Pre-Existing Conditions
Moreover, diabetes or vascular disease can affect the health of your veins and complicate access planning.
Benefits of Choosing a Permacath for Hemodialysis

Stable, Long-Term Use
Provides a durable access point for months or years of hemodialysis treatment.

Reduced Pain
Avoids the repeated needlesticks associated with AV fistulas.

Immediate Use
Unlike an AV fistula, which often needs weeks or months to mature, a Permacath can usually provide dialysis access soon after proper placement and verification.

Lower Infection Risk
The tunneled design is safer than temporary catheters.
How Does an Interventional Radiologist Perform Permacath Placement?
- 1️⃣ Before the Procedure

First, your doctor reviews your medical history and uses imaging, such as ultrasound, to assess a suitable vein, usually the internal jugular vein in the neck.
- 2️⃣ During the Procedure
✔ Make a Small Incision: First, Dr. Sidhu makes a small incision to access the jugular vein in your neck.
✔ Create a Tunnel:Afterward, Dr. Sidhu creates a short tunnel beneath the skin of your chest.
✔ Insert the Catheter: Then, Dr. Sidhu guides the Permacath through the tunnel into the central vein and uses imaging to confirm its position.
✔ Secure the Placement:
He secures the catheter with stitches and applies a sterile dressing. Permacath Placement typically takes less than an hour, although the duration may vary depending on individual needs.
- 3️⃣ After the Procedure

- Success of Tunneled Catheter Placement
97.7 Success Rate |
Why Dr. Tegbir Sidhu?
- Renowned Expertise: Dr. Tegbir Sidhu is a highly respected Principal Consultant in Interventional Radiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali.
- Vast Experience: With over 15 years of experience and advanced training in interventional radiology, he has performed numerous complex cases and is known for his meticulous attention to detail.
- Compassionate Care: Dr. Sidhu believes in treating every patient with empathy and is dedicated to providing clear, accurate diagnoses and the highest standard of care.
- Minimally Invasive Approach: As an interventional radiologist, he uses image-guided, minimally invasive techniques that are safer and promote faster recovery.

Step-by-Step Treatment Process at Our Mohali Clinic
Here’s what you can expect when you choose us for your hemodialysis catheter insertion
Consultation
First, Dr. Sidhu reviews your medical history, current health, and dialysis requirements during a detailed consultation.In addition, he explains the Permacath procedure and answers questions about its benefits, risks, and aftercare.
Pre-Procedure Planning
Next, Dr. Sidhu uses ultrasound to assess a suitable vein and carefully plan the catheter insertion.
The Procedure Day
The procedure is performed in a sterile environment. You will be comfortable and relaxed, and the procedure will be completed in a short time.
Short Observation
You will be observed for a short period before being cleared to go home. Before discharge, the team provides instructions for catheter care and explains which warning signs require medical attention.
- Recovery and Aftercare for Your Permacath
Recovery from a Permacath procedure is generally quick, but proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection and ensure the catheter functions well.
- Keep the Dressing Dry: For the first few days, it is vital to keep the dressing clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Watch for Signs of Infection: Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any redness, swelling, pain, or drainage at the insertion site, or if you develop a fever.
- Treat it with Care: Avoid pulling on the catheter.Moreover, your dialysis team will explain how to protect the catheter during daily activities.
- Limit Physical Activity: You may need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks to allow the site to heal.
- Risks and Safety of the Procedure
- Infection: The most significant risk, which can often be managed with antibiotics.
- Catheter Blockage: Blood clots can form, which may require treatment to clear the line .
- Collapsed Lung (Pneumothorax): A rare but possible risk during catheter insertion.
- Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat that may occur when the catheter is placed too deeply.
