Peritoneal dialysis catheter design and function and implications for the clinical setting

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal catheters are a fundamental form of dialysis access. An appreciation of the principles of catheter design is important for practitioners involved in the insertion and maintenance of peritoneal dialysis access. Although silicone dual-cuffed catheters are standard, the optimal catheter design remains uncertain. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review outlines common peritoneal dialysis catheter characteristics and summarizes their practical relevance. Catheter material, cuffs, tips, and tunneled segment shape are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Peritoneal dialysis catheter selection is informed by theoretic design principles and limited clinical evidence, but operator experience and patient and center factors are probably stronger predictors of outcomes.