Dialysis Access
Please refer to the downloadable handout below for information related to Dialysis Access.
Dialysis Access
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Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job.
There are 2 main types of dialysis:
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Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine to remove wastes and toxins. The cleaned blood is then returned into the bloodstream.
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Peritoneal Dialysis: The inside lining of your belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by a cleansing fluid called dialysate.
Your nephrologist will discuss dialysis options with you and then refer you to our office for one of our surgeons to provide the access.
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Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Creation
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An arteriovenous, or AV, fistula is a type of access used for hemodialysis. An AV fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein creating a ready source with a rapid flow of blood. The fistula is located under the skin and is used during dialysis to access the bloodstream.
For further information about Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Creation, please see attached handout.
Dialysis Access
​
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job.
There are 2 main types of dialysis:
-
Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a machine to remove wastes and toxins. The cleaned blood is then returned into the bloodstream.
-
Peritoneal Dialysis: The inside lining of your belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by a cleansing fluid called dialysate.
Your nephrologist will discuss dialysis options with you and then refer you to our office for one of our surgeons to provide the access.
​
Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Creation
​
An arteriovenous, or AV, fistula is a type of access used for hemodialysis. An AV fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein creating a ready source with a rapid flow of blood. The fistula is located under the skin and is used during dialysis to access the bloodstream.
For further information about Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Creation, please see attached handout.
AV fistula
Click on image to download
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion
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A peritoneal dialysis catheter is a soft plastic tube. One end comes out of your abdomen, whilst the other endo of the sits low down inside your abdominal cavity. The end of the tube on the outside is small and can be tucked under your clothes. During dialysis, a cleansing fluid flows into the belly through the PD catheter. The fluid draws wastes from your body through a filtering process. When the filtering is finished, the fluid leaves the body through the PD catheter.
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For further information about Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion, please see attached handout.