Dialysis Access

Hemodialysis access, or vascular access, is the point on your body where the dialysis machine connects to your blood vessels. Vascular surgeons perform hemodialysis access surgery to create this connection point.

There are several types of hemodialysis access. Your vascular surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

An AV fistula is a surgical connection under your skin between an artery and a vein. Connecting these blood vessels makes a larger, stronger blood vessel, known as a fistula, that is used as the hemodialysis access point. AV fistulas have a low risk of infection, so they are considered the best options for dialysis access.

Until recently, vascular surgeons could only create an AV fistula with open surgery. However, our fellowship-trained vascular surgeons offer a less invasive option, using an innovative device called the WavelinQ.

If your veins are too small to create an AV fistula, an AV graft may be the next best option to prepare for hemodialysis. In this procedure, your surgeon sews a prosthetic graft (tube) between an artery and a vein in your arm or leg. You will need to recover for at least four weeks before you can use an AV graft as your hemodialysis access point.

A bloodstream catheter is a thin tube inserted into your bloodstream via a vein. Once placed, one end of the tube remains inside your vein, and the other end sticks out of your body so it can connect to the dialysis machine. Bloodstream catheters are convenient because they can be used for dialysis immediately and do not require a recovery period. However, they carry a high risk of infection. That’s why they are a temporary hemodialysis access point.

Some people with kidney disease need a different kind of dialysis called peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis uses the lining of your abdomen to cleanse your blood. If you need peritoneal dialysis, your vascular surgeon will place a small tube (cannula) in your abdomen so the dialysis machine can access your abdominal lining.

Preparing for dialysis can be stressful. But you can be confident our vascular surgeons will give you the highest level of care and support throughout the entire process.

When you choose Baptist Health for your hemodialysis access surgery, you can expect our team to talk with you about every available option. And our state-of-the-art facilities and leading-edge technology ensure you’ll receive an unmatched level of care.

From presurgical consultations to postoperative care, we are committed to making your dialysis access surgery as smooth as possible.