Dependable long-term venous access.
Dialysis, long-term antibiotics, or parenteral nutrition requiring months of IV access? Tunnelled catheters and long-term indwelling venous devices provide reliable, comfortable access without repeated needle sticks.
Understanding Long-Term Indwelling Catheters
Long-term indwelling catheters are specially designed venous access devices meant to remain in place for weeks to months. They include tunnelled central venous catheters (Hickman, Broviac), permcaths for dialysis, and non-tunnelled central lines for shorter-term use in ICU settings.
These catheters are placed by threading them through the subcutaneous tissue (creating a tunnel that reduces infection risk) and into a large central vein. They are secured in place by a tissue-ingrowth cuff and can be used for haemodialysis, chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and long-term antibiotic therapy.
How Are Long-Term Catheters Placed?
Dr. Vrishit Saraswat uses ultrasound to identify the optimal vein (usually the internal jugular) and fluoroscopy to confirm catheter tip positioning. For tunnelled catheters, a subcutaneous tunnel is created from the chest wall to the vein entry site, which helps anchor the catheter and creates a barrier against infection. The procedure takes 30–45 minutes under local anaesthesia. The catheter is immediately ready for use.
Focused Patient Care
We select the appropriate catheter type, size, and placement location based on the intended use (dialysis vs. infusion), expected duration, and the patient’s vascular anatomy.
24/7 Support
Patients needing urgent dialysis or ICU-level vascular access cannot wait. We provide emergency catheter placement to ensure immediate treatment access when needed.
Timely Treatment
Catheter care protocols, exit-site dressing changes, and prompt management of complications (infection, thrombosis, malfunction) are provided as part of our vascular access programme.
Advanced tumor ablation techniques deliver targeted cancer treatment through precise image-guided procedures with minimal healthy tissue damage.
Comprehensive supportive care interventions enhance quality of life during cancer treatment through specialized interventional radiology techniques and procedures.
Personalized oncological protocols combine curative and palliative approaches ensuring optimal outcomes and improved patient comfort throughout treatment.
Our Treatment Process
Here is what your long-term catheter placement journey looks like:
1
Comprehensive Oncological Assessment
Advanced imaging and multidisciplinary evaluation help determine optimal intervention approach; treatment is tailored to your specific cancer type, stage, and overall health status.
2
Minimally Invasive Cancer Intervention
Using precise image guidance, targeted treatments are delivered directly to tumors or supportive devices are placed through small punctures without major surgery.
3
Recovery & Ongoing Support
Most patients experience faster recovery compared to open procedures, with comprehensive follow-up care to monitor treatment response and manage any complications.
FAQs About The Service
Common questions about long-term indwelling catheters:
What oncological conditions can be treated interventionally?
We treat liver tumors, lung masses, kidney cancers, and provide supportive care including feeding tubes, chemotherapy ports, and drainage procedures for cancer patients.
How effective are tumor ablation procedures?
Tumor ablations can achieve complete tumor destruction in 85-95% of appropriately selected cases, offering excellent local control with minimal side effects compared to surgery.
What supportive care interventions do you provide?
We offer PEG tube placements, chemoport insertions, drainage procedures, and long-term catheter placements to support patients throughout their cancer treatment journey.
Are oncological interventions safe during active cancer treatment?
Yes, most interventional oncology procedures can be safely performed during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, often enhancing overall treatment effectiveness and patient comfort.