Abstract: A method of and system for providing vascular access in a patient for hemodialysis involves attaching the distal end of an access catheter to the abdominal aorta of the patient and the proximal end of the access catheter to a portion of the patient to allow selective access to an interior portion of the access catheter. A blood-withdrawal catheter and a blood-return catheter are placed into the access catheter until their distal ends are in the patients abdominal aorta and blood may be removed and return to the aorta. When finished, the blood catheters are removed. Selective access to the proximal end of the access catheter is provided, preferably, by a cutaneous port assembly that includes a screwable cap and anti-infection cuff.