My mother has a graft that has shut down. When they went in to try to fix it. They could not. She was told her veins are tiny and like threads. She now has to meet with her doctor for options. They say she is going to have a major problem because her veins will not support a graft. They said something about a portacath. What is it? What might her options be? Thanks
This site and all the people have been a great help to us.

Hi Sue:

A portacath, as I understand it, is similiar to a chest catheter. It is located high on the left or right side of the chest just below the collar bone.

I had a catheter for a couple of years and had no problems, but I understand some nephrologists are moving away from them because of increased risk of infection.

I now have a transplant, but I've been told that because the veins in my arms have been so weakened over the years, if I have to go back to dialysis, they would create a graft in my upper thigh.

If your Mom can go the portacath route at this time, that would be my choice.

Best,
Mike