Clinical Services Dialysis Access Center
Clinincal Services
Dialysis Access Care
Dialysis access is the lifeline of dialysis patients. After vessel mapping dialysis access is created by expert vascular surgeons. Early detection and timely resolution of dialysis access dysfunction is critical to preservation of dialysis patient's lifeline. Having an optimally functioning dialysis access leads to fewer missed dialysis treatments and a lower frequency of hospitalizations. When an access is not functioning well, the most common finding is the narrowing of the access itself or the blood vessels attached to it. The narrowing, called 'stenosis', can lead to higher pressures inside the access and inadquate clearing of the blood from the toxins and poor ineffective dialysis treatment. The access may eventually stop flowing and clot. Maintaining a functioning dialysis access is as important as treating other problems on dialysis. Your Nephrologist, your access coordinator and your interventional nephrologist can help you maintain an adequate dialysis access so you can receive an optimum dialysis treatment.
The following procedures are performed in our center in support of optimum dialysis access health:
•Vessel mapping
•Dialysis Access Creation
•Fistula maturation
•Venogram Angiogram
•Angioplasty
•Stent Placement
•Thrombectomy (declot)
•Hemodialysis catheter insertion, exchange, removal and repair
Venogram Angioplasty
Venogram is an xray picture of the veins and blood vessels. Angioplasty is a procedure done to widen narrowed blood vessels to prevent them from becoming totally blocked, using a balloon inside the blood vessel. Balloons are taken out after they are used to expand the vessels. Angioplasty is done to prevent the dialysis access from clotting and not useable, to improve the quality of dialysis that is provided, and extend the life of the access. There are only limited sites for placing a dialysis access, so preserving teh vessels is very important to a kidney patient.
The procedure is performed by an interventional nephrologist who is very much familiar with the care of dialysis patients, along with other trained nurses and staff members. There is no incision or cutting. Local lidocaine is used in addition to mild to moderate sedation to perform the procedure. Most people can resume theri normal dialysis schedule immediately following the angioplasty procedure.
Outpatient venogram andioplasties avoids discomfort of surgeries, returns the optimal function of existing dialysis accesses and extends its life, allows ability to return to regular dialysis schedule, and avoids costly and lengthy hospitalizations.
Thrombectomy
Thrombectomy is a procedure done to repair a clotted dialysis access. A clotted access occurs when the access cannot be used on dialysis due to a blood clot inside the blood vessels that blocks the blood from flowing. Thrombectomy removes the clots and will return the blood passage and function of the dialysis access.
The procedure is performed by an interventional nephrologist who is very much familiar with the care of dialysis patients, along with other trained nurses and staff members. There is no incision or cutting. Local lidocaine is used in addition to mild to moderate sedation to perform the procedure. Once the access is declotted, it can be used immediately for dialysis and patients can resume a normal dialysis schedule.
Outpatient thrombectomies avoids discomfort of surgeries, returns the function of existing dialysis accesses, ability to return to dialysis on the same or next day, and avoids costly and lengthy hospitalizations.
Catheter Care
Dialysis catheters are an alternative dialysis access that can be used when a dialysis fistula or graft are not an option. Tunneled and non-tunneled Dialysis Catheter insertions, exchanges, removals and repairs are done at Dialysis Access Center.
The procedure is performed by an interventional nephrologist who is very much familiar with the care of dialysis patients, along with other trained nurses and staff members. Local lidocaine is used in addition to mild to moderate sedation to perform the procedure. Once the catheter is placed or exchanged or repaired, it can be used immediately for dialysis and patients can resume a normal dialysis schedule.
Outpatient catheter procedures avoid discomfort of surgeries, returns the function of existing dialysis accesses, ability to return to dialysis on the same or next day, and avoids costly and lengthy hospitalizations.
Service List
Dialysis Access Care
Timely care of your dialysis access.
Thrombectomy
Declotting of your dialysis access.
Venogram Angioplasty
Diagnostic and therapeutic angiogram
Catheter Care
Caring for your lifeline.