Definition |
Most catheters nowadays are derivative of the one devised by Tenckoff. This consists of a silastic tube with holes along the intraperitoneal portion. There are usually one or two cuffs made of dacron allowing tissue ingrowth, which not only secures the device in place but prevents pericatheter leakage and infection. The original Tenckhoff catheter was straight, being inserted caudally, the inner cuff lying on the peritoneum, while the other close to the skin exit, the tube itself skirting the umbilicus
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