Catheterogram

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

The information contained in this booklet is for people who have a catheter for dialysis. It gives information on a procedure called a catheterogram – what it is used for, how it is carried out and the risks of it.

Please note that the information in this booklet is only a guide. If you need any more information or have any queries, please speak to the Renal Unit staff.

What is a catheterogram?

It is a procedure that uses X-rays and it is carried out in the X-ray Department.

Why do I need it?

Your renal consultant has suggested the procedure to find out why the blood flow from your catheter is not very strong.

What are the benefits?

If you have a blockage in the catheter, this will be found and can be treated. This will improve your dialysis.

What are the risks?

As with all hospital procedures, a catheterogram does carry some risks:

• If the doctor needs to place a guide wire into the catheter, this is may damage the catheter. This will mean we will have to change your catheter.
• Although very rare, you may be allergic to the contrast dye used in the procedure.
• You may experience heart palpitations during the procedure. If you get this, please tell the doctor immediately.
• Very rarely, a blood clot may break free during the procedure. This may travel around blood vessels in the body and could cause a blockage.

What are the alternatives?

One alternative is to try a drug called urokinase. This breaks down cells and other debris that may be blocking the end of the catheter. However, your consultant may already have tried using this before suggesting a catheterogram. Another alternative is to have a new line or a fistula created.

What happens during the procedure?

The ends of the catheter are cleaned, and the catheter is flushed through with saline (salt) solution. The doctor injects a contrast dye into both ends of your catheter. The dye makes structures show up more clearly on X-rays. We then take X-rays which will show if there any blockages in your catheter.

Will it be painful?

Patients who have had the procedure say that it feels no different to having the catheter flushed when they have dialysis.

Who will carry out the procedure?

It is carried out by one of the renal doctors usually, but occasionally an X-ray doctor may perform it.

Will I need to stay in hospital?

No, the catheterogram is usually arranged on the day of your dialysis. You can have it first and then go for your dialysis afterwards.

What happens if I have a blockage?

The doctor may recommend putting an anti-clotting drug into the catheter to get rid of any blood clots. If you need this, the treatment will be carried out in the Renal Unit, usually before you have dialysis.

Contact information

• The Renal Unit: 01384 244384
• 7.30am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday
• 9am to 3.30pm, Sunday
• Ask to speak to a vascular access nurse (VAN) or a member of the haemodialysis staff, if a VAN is not available.
• Out of these hours, ring the hospital switchboard number and tell them you are a renal patient. Ask to speak to the haemodialysis nurse on call.
• Remember: the renal team is always willing to give help and advice. Please contact us, however small your query.
• Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number: 01384 456111

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Bobbie Bedford. Date reviewed: November 2022. Next review due: August 2025. Version: 4. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01247.