tunneled catheter
A special type of catheter used in a vascular access procedure. It is inserted inside a major vein for a period of weeks, or months so that blood can be repeatedly drawn or medication and nutrients can be injected into the patient’s bloodstream on regular basis. The tunneled catheter, which has a cuff at one end that stimulates tissue growth to help hold it in place, is used when access to the vein is needed for longer than three months and many times each day. This catheter is commonly used for patients requiring dialysis.