How Does Dialysis Access Surgery Work?

When your kidneys fail, one of the first steps to managing your condition is establishing dialysis access. At the Metropolitan Vascular Institute in Waldorf, Maryland, a multi-specialty practice, we perform dialysis access surgery in our new state-of-the-art outpatient center. We treat vascular disease, kidney failure, and related conditions with advanced techniques. Our team ensures you get the best possible care while navigating dialysis treatments. 

There are several options for dialysis access surgery, and the best one for you will depend on your specific condition and needs. Here’s a closer look at how dialysis access surgery works and the options available. 

Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula

An AV fistula is a surgically created link between a vein and an artery. It’s the gold standard for dialysis access. We typically place AV fistulas in the lower part of the forearm or just above the elbow.

Over time, the vein becomes stronger, acting more like an artery. This allows the vein to withstand dialysis better.

AV fistulas have the lowest infection rate and are the most durable option for long-term dialysis. They can last for years or decades.

AV Graft

Some patients may have veins that are too small for an AV fistula. An AV graft can be an effective way to solve that problem. With this solution, a small tube made of a material like Goretex connects the vein and artery.

With this approach, the fistula usually closes faster than an AV fistula, and it’s more susceptible to infection because the tube is a foreign substance.

Tunneled Catheter

A temporary catheter is placed in the large vein in your neck. This option is generally used as a short-term solution due to its higher risk of infection, but it can provide immediate dialysis access while you wait for a fistula to mature.

Peritoneal Dialysis

With peritoneal dialysis, we implant a tube (cannula) in your abdomen. This approach uses the stomach lining (the peritoneum) to clean your blood.

Peritoneal dialysis allows you to manage your dialysis at home, but it does require a firm commitment from you. This type of dialysis involves daily fluid exchanges.

Unfortunately, peritoneal dialysis has a higher risk of problems like infections and tube clogs.

Choosing Your Dialysis Access Surgery

Each type of dialysis access surgery has its benefits and considerations. AV fistulas and AV grafts provide stable and long-term access to dialysis, while tunneled catheters and peritoneal dialysis offer flexibility for short-term or home-based care.

Our team works with you to determine the best option based on your medical needs and lifestyle. 

Dialysis Access Surgery in Waldorf, Maryland

Metropolitan Vascular Institute specializes in dialysis access surgery to help patients with kidney failure get treatment now. With our state-of-the-art facilities and renowned end-stage renal disease specialists, we’re here to provide expert care close to home. 

Call us today at 301-374-8540 to schedule a consultation at our Waldorf, Maryland, office.