HCL Lyon Pioneers New Catheter Placement Technique for Kidney Failure Patients
Lyon, April 15 – In a significant advancement for kidney failure treatment, the Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) has recently introduced a novel technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement at Édouard-Herriot Hospital in the 3rd arrondissement. This new method, performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia by nephrologists, aims to provide greater autonomy for patients and improve the accessibility of home dialysis.
While home dialysis remains an “underdeveloped” alternative for kidney failure patients, HCL is taking a new step in addressing this challenge. Approximately 50,000 patients currently undergo dialysis in France.
A Safer and More Efficient Approach to Peritoneal Dialysis
The new procedure involves the cutaneous placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters. This innovative approach allows patients to return home quickly after the approximately 45-minute procedure. Although patients gain more independence, they receive continued support from a specialized team to help them adapt to the device. Each dialysis session subsequently lasts 30 minutes.
HCL highlights that this new technique offers a “safe and effective” alternative to in-center hemodialysis. Unlike hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum as a natural filter to remove waste products and excess water from the blood. The dialysis fluid is infused and then drained through a catheter implanted in the patient’s abdomen, following daily short-duration cycles. Another advantage is that peritoneal dialysis is generally better tolerated by patients with cardiac conditions and can typically be continued for six to eight years.
HCL is now the third university hospital center (CHU) in France to offer this technique, demonstrating its commitment to advancing patient care.
Expanding Access to Peritoneal Dialysis
Despite its benefits, peritoneal dialysis remains underutilized. According to HCL, only “2.2% to 13%” of dialysis patients currently use peritoneal dialysis, depending on the region. Since January 2025, around twenty patients have benefited from this new technique at Édouard-Herriot Hospital. Among these patients, two distinct profiles have emerged: young, active individuals often awaiting kidney transplants, and older individuals, some of whom are receiving palliative care.
The ambition of the Hospices Civils de Lyon is to rapidly train more nephrologists to expand the deployment of this technique throughout the HCL network in the region. This initiative underscores HCL’s dedication to improving the lives of kidney failure patients by offering more accessible and patient-centered treatment options.
Future Outlook
This development is part of a broader effort by HCL to innovate in medical treatments and patient care. The deployment of this technique is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for many patients, allowing them to manage their condition with greater flexibility and comfort at home.
The success of this program at Édouard-Herriot Hospital is a testament to HCL’s leadership in medical innovation and its commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare solutions to the community in Lyon and beyond.
