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Vascular Access for Hemodialysis
Making treatment easier for those experiencing kidney failure
Overview
When someone is experiencing kidney failure, hemodialysis is a lifesaving treatment that filters their blood, removing harmful waste. This allows them to stay healthy despite the failure. A vascular surgeon is able to create a vein that makes this treatment not only easier, but also more efficient, allowing a large amount of blood to flow continuously during hemodialysis, maximizing the volume of blood that is filtered during a single session of hemodialysis.
Purpose
Hemodialysis puts a large strain on the skin and veins of the body. Repeated insertion of needles without a vascular access can become nearly impossible and will lead to scarring, infection, the narrowing of veins, and many other complications. A vascular access supports the vein and allows for the repeated insertions of the needles needed for hemodialysis. A doctor may recommend a vascular access depending on...
Frequency of hemodialysis required
Volume of blood flow
Managmenet of infection
Risk of blood clotting
Need for a long-lasting solution
Is It For Me?
Your doctor will likely discuss vascular access with you well before your first hemodialysis treatment, as it should already be in place for weeks, if not months, before your first hemodialysis treatment. Before receiving a vascular access, you may have a Doppler ultrasound vessel mapping test.
Types of Vascular Access
There are three common types of vascular access. A tunneled dialysis catheter is a non-permanent, long-term option. These generally last for months to years for most patients. The other two types are the arteriovenous fistula and the arteriovenous graft. Each is constructed by a vascular surgeon and is typically an outpatient procedure, though sometimes an overnight stay at the hospital may be required.
Visit Society of Vascular Surgery for more information.
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