AV Fistula For Dialysis Access

Quick Summary

An AV fistula creates a durable connection between an artery and vein to provide reliable access for hemodialysis. NG Vascular & Vein Center offers arteriovenous fistula treatment, dialysis catheter placement, vascular access mapping, diagnostic imaging, and maintenance services in Indiana and Illinois. Before placement, vascular mapping can help identify suitable blood vessels and guide treatment planning. Over time, fistulas and grafts can develop narrowing or blockages that affect dialysis. Regular monitoring and minimally invasive treatments can help maintain access and keep dialysis working effectively.

When your kidneys can no longer remove enough waste and excess fluid from your blood, hemodialysis can perform this essential function. But dialysis needs reliable access to your bloodstream. An arteriovenous (AV) fistula creates a durable connection between an artery and vein, usually in the arm, to make regular dialysis treatments possible. At NG Vascular & Vein Center, our interventional radiologists offer arteriovenous fistula treatment, dialysis access planning, placement, imaging, and maintenance in Indiana and Illinois.

What Is an AV Fistula?

An AV fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm or wrist. Connecting these vessels increases blood flow through the vein, causing it to become stronger and larger over time. This creates a durable access point that can be used repeatedly for hemodialysis.

An AV fistula is different from an AV graft. An AV graft uses a synthetic or biological tube to connect the artery and vein when a patient’s blood vessels are not suitable for a fistula. Your doctor will consider your anatomy, overall health, and dialysis needs when determining which type of access is appropriate.

Why It Is Used for Dialysis

Hemodialysis requires regular access to your bloodstream so blood can travel to the dialysis machine, where waste and excess fluid are removed before the filtered blood returns to your body.

An AV fistula is often preferred for long-term dialysis access because it uses your own blood vessels and can offer durable access when it develops properly. A well-functioning fistula can support repeated dialysis sessions without the need for a temporary catheter.

For patients who cannot receive a fistula or need dialysis before a fistula is ready, an AV graft or dialysis catheter may be considered. Your healthcare team will determine the appropriate access based on your individual circumstances.

What To Expect: Placement and Mapping

Vascular Access Mapping

Before placement, your doctor may recommend vascular access mapping. Diagnostic ultrasound helps evaluate the size, condition, and location of your arteries and veins. This information helps identify the most suitable vessels for dialysis access.

Mapping can also help your care team plan future access and identify potential problems before they interfere with dialysis treatment.

AV Fistula Placement

During AV fistula placement, an artery is connected to a nearby vein in the arm or wrist. This allows arterial blood to flow directly into the vein, gradually strengthening and enlarging it so it can be accessed for dialysis.

The exact location and approach depend on your vascular anatomy and dialysis requirements. Your physician will explain the procedure, expected recovery, and care instructions before treatment.

Dialysis Catheter Placement

When dialysis is needed before a fistula or graft is ready, a dialysis catheter may be used to provide temporary access to the bloodstream. Catheter placement uses image guidance to position the catheter in an appropriate blood vessel.

Your dialysis team will determine how long the catheter should remain in place and when another form of access can be used.

Dialysis Access Maintenance

Even a well-functioning fistula or graft can develop problems over time. Narrowing, clotting, or other changes can reduce blood flow and make dialysis more difficult. Early evaluation can help identify these problems before access fails.

At NG Vascular & Vein Center, we offer minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures to help maintain dialysis access. Depending on the problem, treatment may include imaging, angioplasty, or other vascular interventions designed to restore or improve blood flow.

Our dialysis access services include:

Vascular access planning and mapping
Diagnostic vascular ultrasound
AV fistula and graft evaluation
Dialysis catheter placement
Evaluation of poorly functioning dialysis access
Minimally invasive treatment for narrowed or blocked access

If you notice changes in your dialysis access, such as reduced blood flow, swelling, prolonged bleeding, or difficulty with dialysis, contact your dialysis care team promptly.

At NG Vascular & Vein Center, we also offer diagnostic sonography and vascular access planning/mapping to provide the complete range of dialysis access and maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About AV Fistulas and Dialysis Access

An AV fistula creates a durable access point for hemodialysis. It connects an artery and vein, allowing the vein to become stronger and larger so it can support repeated dialysis treatments.

An AV fistula needs time to develop before it can usually be used for dialysis. The timing varies between patients, so your dialysis and vascular teams will monitor its development.

Vascular access mapping uses diagnostic imaging, often ultrasound, to evaluate your arteries and veins. It helps your doctor identify suitable blood vessels and plan the most appropriate dialysis access.

A blocked or narrowed fistula may reduce blood flow and interfere with dialysis. Your vascular specialist can evaluate the access and may use minimally invasive treatment to restore or improve blood flow.

For many patients who need long-term hemodialysis, an AV fistula can offer durable access using their own blood vessels. Your care team will recommend the access type that fits your needs.

Follow your dialysis team’s instructions for access care and report changes such as swelling, bleeding, pain, or reduced blood flow promptly. Regular monitoring can help identify access problems early.