Dialysis Fistula / Graft Interventions

Dialysis Fistula / Graft Interventions

Treatment for:

Narrowed or blocked dialysis graft/fistula

Why it’s done:

Grafts and fistulas are surgically-created access routes for dialysis to treat kidney failure. These accesses can become narrowed or clotted, which limits their use for dialysis. Re-opening the graft or fistula restores its function.

How it’s done:

An interventional radiologist uses clot-dissolving drugs, balloons, stents, and other devices to remove the clot and treat any narrowings in the dialysis circuit.

Level of anesthesia:

Conscious sedation

Risks:

Bleeding, infection, embolization (passage of clot into the adjacent artery), damage to the dialysis access

Post-procedure:

The dialysis access can be used immediately.

Follow-up:

As needed for dialysis access maintenance