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.
Mapping of arm vessels before the surgical creation of dialysis access has been shown to help achieve higher arteriovenous fistula (AVF) rates as well as an improved fistula success rate.
This is performed in the office using ultrasound and is painless. Our board-registered Vascular Technologist, with years of experience, will perform the examination. The exam takes 45-60 minutes.
A hemodialysis catheter is a hollow tube used for removal and replacing blood to and from your body. The catheter is typically tunneled from the internal jugular vein(IJ) with the tip entering the atrium of the heart. An exit site for the catheter is in the chest wall, under the collar bone. A small cuff on the catheter at the exit site sits under the skin. This cuff helps to keep the catheter in place and helps prevent bacteria from entering the body.
The end of the catheter (outside of the exit site) known as a hub has 2 lumens. One lumen carries blood to the dialysis machine, while the other brings blood back into the body once it has been cleansed by the machine. Each lumen has a clip and an end cap that prevent air from getting into or blood from leaking out of the catheter. We can perform hemodialysis catheter placements, exchanges and removals for (dialysis patients) in our office.
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small tube known as a sheath is inserted into the fistula. Through this sheath, we are able to administer sedative medication and perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. X-rays are taken to identify narrow areas (stenoses) within your fistula/graft. If stenoses are identified a balloon can be used to widen the narrowing (angioplasty) to restore improved flow in your fistula/graft.
If your fistula/graft clots, a procedure similar to a Fistulagram is performed to remove all the clot and restore the adequate flow in your fistula/graft.
There are times when angioplasty (ballooning) is ineffective and a stent may be placed. A stent is a spring metal mesh placed inside the vein or graft to keep the vein/graft open.
Once a fistula is created (vein is connected to the side of an artery), it usually takes about 2 months before the fistula is mature and ready to start using for dialysis. If the fistula is slow to mature, a fistulagram is done to identify the cause. If there is a narrow area present limiting flow in the fistula, balloon angioplasty can be performed to promote maturation. Sometimes there are large branches present taking flow away from the fistula. If this is causing the fistula to be slow to mature, a coil can be placed into this branch to stop flow in, or embolize, the branch in order to have all the flow going into the fistula.
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.
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
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
Patient Testimonials:
"Dr. Shah was the first and pretty much the only vascular surgeon for 9 years that has attended to my fistula needs for my dialysis access. He has always listened to my concerns, answered any questions I had, no matter how they came to mind and most importantly ... he and his staff are so helpful and reassuring. Thank you VIV for all you do!"
"Doctors and Nurses are the best! They take their time to listen and explain to you all your concerns. They do really care about you."
"Was able to book an appointment immediately. Love their friendly and welcoming staff. Doctor took her time and answered all of my questions. Definitely recommend them."
"One of the best experiences I have had at a doctors office. Very little wait time, excellent doctor and staff."
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Call 703-763-5224 to schedule your consultation with our providers today! We have three outpatient medical centers located in Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, and Fairfax, VA.
