If you’re starting dialysis or have been told you need a neck line, it can feel a bit overwhelming. This guide will help you understand what a neck line is, why you might need one, how to take care of it, and what to watch out for.
What Is a Neck Line?
A neck line is a soft plastic tube placed into a large vein in your neck. Its medical name is a central venous catheter (CVC). It allows your blood to flow to and from the dialysis machine during treatment. This line has two openings (called lumens): one pulls your blood out to clean it, and the other returns the cleaned blood back into your body.
There are two main types of neck lines:
- Non-tunneled catheter: This is placed directly into the vein and sticks out of your skin at the neck or chest. It’s for short-term use and is usually used for a few days or weeks.
- Tunneled catheter: This is placed under the skin and then into the vein. It’s meant for longer use, sometimes for several weeks or even months, especially if you can’t get a fistula or graft right away.
Why You Might Need a Neck Line
You might need a neck line if:
- You need dialysis urgently, and there’s no time to prepare a fistula or graft.
- Your fistula or graft isn’t ready yet.
- You’ve had problems with other types of access.
Benefits of a Neck Line
- Quick access: It can be used right after it’s placed.
- No needle sticks: Your blood goes in and out through the line, so no needles are needed during dialysis.
- Simple to place: It’s usually done in a hospital or clinic in under an hour.
Possible Problems to Watch For
Even though neck lines are helpful, they can come with risks:
- Infection: Germs can get into your body through the line and cause serious illness.
- Blockage: The line can get clogged, which might affect your dialysis.
- Vein damage: Long-term use can cause scarring or narrowing of the vein.
- Air in the blood: If the line is open to air, it can be dangerous—so it must always stay clamped when not in use.
How Long Can You Keep It?
- Non-tunneled lines: These are only safe to use for a short time—usually no more than 2 to 3 weeks.
- Tunneled lines: These can stay in longer but are still not meant to be permanent.
Your doctor will likely recommend a fistula or graft for long-term dialysis. These are safer and work better over time.
Signs of Trouble
Call your doctor or dialysis team if you notice:
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, or pus around the line
- Pain near the neck or chest
- Trouble with dialysis flow
- Breathing problems or chest pain
Taking Care of Your Neck Line
- Keep it clean and dry at all times.
- Do not touch or pull on the line.
- Never get it wet so no swimming or soaking in baths.
- Let your dialysis nurse change the dressing regularly.
- Tell your care team right away if something doesn’t feel right.
Final Thoughts
Your neck line is a lifeline that helps you get the dialysis you need. It’s not meant to be permanent, but it’s a good way to start treatment. Take care of it, stay alert for signs of infection, and work with your care team to plan for a more permanent access when the time is right.
