What is Cathshield TM?
Cathshield is a protective dressing with an adhesive base that covers the catheter and the stent to mitigate exposure to moisture and bacteria. This medical grade dressing includes skin-sensitive adhesive that can stay on the body up to a maximum of 72 hours. The amount of time that a dressing can remain on the body depends on the degree of skin sensitivity.
How is “Cathshield TM” used?
Foremost sanitize your hands and sanitize the area around the catheter.
Remove the Cath-shield from the anti-bacterial packaging.
​
Place the catheter tail within the antibacterial bag and slowly move the bag up the port prior to reaching the skin, use the tabs to remove the release liner.
​
Carefully place the adhesive around the catheter port and press softly to ensure that the area is completely sealed.
​
Once you protect the area you can shower more comfortably.
​
Ensure that you are not wetting that spot because water loosens the adhesive.
​
We do not recommend that you submerge the area with water.
​
Surrounding the opening is a moisture indicator to help you identify when you're exposed to moisture.
​
-
If there is any detection of moisture, remove the cathshield.
​
-
If the indicator is not triggered but you feel like the cathshield is not situated well, remove the cathshield
​​
-
If you feel any discomfort, remove the cathshield.
​
-
if you see any discoloration or experience any discomfort, please reach ou
​
-
If you have any questions, please reach out.​
​
Why cover the catheter?
​
Dialysis catheters are inserted directly into large veins to allow blood to flow to and from a dialysis machine, mimicking the natural filtration function of the kidneys.
While essential for life-saving treatment, these catheters also create a direct line to the bloodstream, leaving patients vulnerable to infection. Any exposure at the catheter site—whether from bacteria on surfaces, moisture, or unintentional contact—can quickly lead to pathogens entering the bloodstream.
In short, catheters save lives, but they also introduce a serious risk that can become life-threatening without proper protection.
​
​
​