If you have kidney failure, the two ways to replace the function of your diseased kidneys are dialysis or a transplant. Dialysis is an artificial way to filter blood and remove wastes from the body when kidneys can’t do it independently. Some centers in Evergreen Park, IL, are good at handling dialysis access procedures. Target the finest Evergreen Park dialysis access specialists as they employ high-tech methods in offering their services.
What is Dialysis Access?
Dialysis access is the entry point through which you receive your dialysis treatments. It can be a permanent surgically made channel called an arteriovenous fistula (AV), or most commonly, a temporary externally fitted catheter that’s inserted into a large vein in your chest and threaded into your heart to drain blood and remove waste products.
The Different Types of Access used for Dialysis
Many types of access options for dialysis come down to two standard methods: AV fistula or catheter. An AV fistula is created by surgically joining an artery and a vein under the skin so blood flows directly from the fistula into your heart and then back out to the rest of your body. A catheter is inserted into a large vein in your chest and threaded into your heart to drain blood.
AV fistula Approach
An AV fistula is the most common type of access used for dialysis. It’s a surgically created channel that joins an artery and a vein under the skin, so blood flows directly from the fistula into your heart and then back out to the rest of your body. An AV fistula is more likely to work well because it has a large surface area and is less likely to clot.
An AV fistula is a permanent type of access, meaning that it stays in your body once it’s been created. It’s the best type of access because it has a large surface area and is less likely to clot.
The Catheters
A catheter is a temporary type of access that’s inserted into a large vein in your chest and threaded into your heart to drain blood. A catheter is more likely to work well because it has a small surface area and is less likely to clot.
A catheter can be used for dialysis if an AV fistula isn’t available or if it’s not working well. Unfortuntely, because a catheter has a small surface area, it’s more likely to clot and can be challenging to keep clean. For this reason, a catheter is often only used for a short period.
What Determines the Dialysis Access Type You’ll Get?
Your doctor will decide which type of dialysis access is best for you. Many factors go into the decision, such as:
- Your age
- How well your veins hold blood
- The size and shape of your veins
- Your health history and any current health issues you have
- If you smoke or not (because this makes it harder to use an AV fistula)
Dialysis access is the entry point through which you receive your dialysis treatments. It can be a permanent surgically made channel called an arteriovenous fistula (AV), or most commonly, a temporary externally fitted catheter that’s inserted into a large vein in your chest and threaded into your heart to drain blood and remove waste products. Finding a dialysis access expert is the best thing since they plan for the procedures well.