Retrospective review of the development and implementation of a bedside tunneled dialysis catheter program

The placement of ultrasound guided tunneled dialysis catheters at the bedside following a pre-procedural evaluation of the right jugular, brachiocephalic, and femoral veins is a safe option resulting in expedited patient care, decreased resource utilization, and significant cost savings. Non-bedside techniques performed in interventional radiology, or the operating room should remain a consideration for patients requiring left sided venous access, signs of central stenosis, a history of multiple tunneled catheters, or patients requiring moderate sedation outside of the ICU.