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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, among many other complications. A vascular access supports the vein and allows for the repeated insertions of the needles needed for hemodialysis. A doctor may recommended 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 a 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 ateriovenous fistula and the ateriovenous graft. Each is constructed by a vascular surgeon and are 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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