Permcath placement is a medical procedure in which a catheter is inserted into a large vein in the body, typically in the neck or chest area, for the purpose of long-term vascular access. This type of catheter is called a Permcath, which is a tunneled catheter that can remain in place for several weeks to several months.
Permcath placement is often necessary for patients who require frequent or long-term medical treatment, such as hemodialysis, chemotherapy, or parenteral nutrition. The procedure is typically performed by an interventional radiologist or a vascular surgeon, under local anesthesia and conscious sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the catheter is inserted through a small incision in the skin and tunneled under the skin to the large vein. The catheter is then guided through the vein and positioned into the desired location, such as the superior vena cava or the right atrium of the heart. Once the catheter is in place, it is secured with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.