Dialysis Access Procedures
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
