Dialysis Access
Patients who require dialysis have a dialysis catheter, or fistula, in the arm. Using interventional radiology, we can monitor and maintain the fistula to be sure everything is working as it should.
About Dialysis Access
Symptoms
Patients with renal failure require dialysis via an arteriovenous fistula or dialysis catheter. The fistula is created by a vascular surgeon preferably in the arm, connecting an artery to a vein. Monitoring and maintenance of the fistula is vital in ensuring its longevity for dialysis use.
Over time, dialysis and high flow in the venous side of the fistula can cause narrowing or occlusion and inhibit proper flow for dialysis.
Diagnosis
Dialysis fistula problems can be discovered during a dialysis treatment or because flow through the fistula can no longer be felt on physical exam. An interventional radiologist can perform a fistula gram and insert a small catheter to inject contrast into the fistula under x-ray guidance to look for a narrowing or complete occlusion.
Procedure
The narrowed segments of the fistula can be treated in the same outpatient setting with balloons and stents to help improve flow in the fistula.
When a fistula is not possible, some patients receive dialysis through a temporary or long-term dialysis catheter. These catheters can be placed by an interventional radiologist in the outpatient setting.
Recovery
Locations
You can have this procedure at any of our three interventional radiology locations.
All of these dialysis access procedures are performed with local anesthesia and IV sedation with same day discharge.