Dialysis Fistula

Also known as: graft Intervention, arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) intervention, arteriovenous graft (AV graft) intervention.

What is dialysis fistula or graft intervention?

A dialysis fistula or graft are medical treatments that creates access to a vein for patients who need regular dialysis treatments. An AV fistula involves connecting an artery directly to a vein in the forearm. AV graft involves connecting the artery to the vein with a graft, or synthetic tube.

Sometimes blood flow becomes low or blocked through the fistula or graft. In these cases, intervention is required.

What happens during the procedure? 

Dialysis fistula or graft intervention is performed by threading a catheter to the source of the problem. Then the blockage is removed with either a small balloon that inflates, a solution that breaks up a clot or a metal coil to restore blood flow.

Is any special preparation needed? 

No special preparation is required for this procedure.

What are the risk factors? 

Bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to surrounding organs and tissues or reaction to anesthesia are potential risks of dialysis fistula or graft intervention.

Reviewed by: Felix I Ramirez-Seijas, MD

This page was last updated on: July 27, 2022 01:59 PM