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Dialysis Access Procedures

Posted in Vascular.

From surgical creation of dialysis access (AV Fistula or AV Graft) to minimally invasive procedures to help maintain a healthy access, our expert staff will help navigate you through your journey as we work closely with your nephrologists/dialysis centers. 

Warning Signs 

A Functioning Vascular Access is Vital for Dialysis. Warning Signs Your Access May Be Failing – 

Fistula/Graft:

  • Prolonged Bleeding 
  • Pain 
  • Difficult Cannulation 
  • Arm Swelling 
  • Aneurysm Formation/Growth 
  • High Venous Pressures 
  • No Thrill/Change in Thrill 
  • Infiltration
  • Non-maturing Fistula 
  • Redness/Drainage
  • Poor Clearance 
  • Clotting of Needles or Lines 
  • Abnormal Arterial Pressures 
  • Recirculation 
  • Poor Flow 

Catheter:

  • Pain 
  • Poor Catheter Flow (less than 300ml/min) 
  • Redness/Drainage 
  • Poor Clearance
  • Clotting of Lines
  • Recirculation 
  • Unable to Aspirate 

If you notice ANY of these symptoms, please inform your doctor or nurse immediately. 

What can I do to keep my dialysis access healthy? 

  • Examine your access daily to ensure there is a thrill
  • Keep site clean
  • Wash skin daily with soap and water
  • Avoid sleeping on your access arm
  • Avoid carrying heavy objects with your access arm
  • Avoid checking blood pressure on your access arm

I have a catheter: 

  • Keep site clean and dry
  • Dressing changes will be done at dialysis center
  • Transition to a fistula or a graft as soon as possible