If you have kidney disease and need hemodialysis, the Vascular & Interventional Specialists providers can create the access point you need for treatment. The experienced physicians use minimally invasive techniques to make a fistula, graft, or catheter access point. They are also the only practice in Miami to offer nonsurgical percutaneous fistula creation services. Dialysis access point procedures are available on an outpatient basis, so you can go home soon after. Call the Miami, Florida, office to schedule a consultation for dialysis access or book an appointment online today.
The access point lets blood travel outside your body through flexible tubes to a dialysis machine. The machine works like an artificial kidney, passing blood through a special filter to remove toxins and excess fluids.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists offers several types of dialysis access procedures on an outpatient basis for adults. They can determine which type of access point you need based on your overall health and treatment plan.
The Vascular & Interventional Specialists physicians perform several types of dialysis access procedures, including:
A fistula is an access point that’s made by joining a vein and an artery in your arm. This type of access is typically the most efficient and the longest-lasting.
A percutaneous fistula is a nonsurgical alternative for creating a fistula. Instead of making incisions, the providers puncture your skin with a needle and use a special device to introduce a wire and catheter into the vessel without damaging the surrounding skin.
A graft is an access point made by attaching a soft tube to a vein and artery in your arm. You may benefit from a graft if your blood vessels aren’t strong enough to support a fistula.
A catheter is a soft, flexible tube that goes into a large vein, typically in your neck. Catheters generally provide temporary access to your vessels but may also be a permanent option in some circumstances.
The Vascular & Interventional Specialists providers offer comprehensive after-care services to prevent infections and other complications that can develop in a dialysis access point.
When you have a fistula or graft, you should wash the area daily with antibacterial soap, especially before and after dialysis. Keep an eye on the area and contact your physician if you notice redness, warmth, discharge, or other signs of infection.
To care for a catheter, be sure to keep the area clean and dry. The providers can also show you how to change dressings.
During visits to the office for routine dialysis access management, the providers ensure your dialysis access point is working properly. If you develop an infection or blood clot, they can prescribe medications or other treatments you need to prevent complications.
Call the Vascular & Interventional Specialists office to schedule a consultation for dialysis access or book an appointment online today.