Vascular Access for Dialysis

Early assessment can help identify access problems before they interfere significantly with dialysis.

Why Choose Specialist Vascular Access Care in Bengaluru?

Patients requiring haemodialysis benefit from coordinated care involving kidney specialists, vascular surgeons, dialysis teams, and other healthcare professionals. In Bengaluru, patients can access specialised medical services for evaluation, creation, monitoring, and management of dialysis vascular access.

The choice of access should not be based on convenience alone. A specialist should consider the patient's kidney disease, expected dialysis needs, blood vessel condition, previous access procedures, other medical conditions, and personal preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an AV fistula better than a dialysis catheter?

For many patients requiring long-term haemodialysis, an AV fistula is preferred because it generally has a lower infection risk and can provide durable access. However, a catheter may be necessary when dialysis is urgently required or when permanent AV access is not suitable.

How long does an AV fistula take to mature?

The time varies between patients. The fistula needs to develop adequate size and blood flow before repeated dialysis cannulation. The healthcare team monitors its maturation and may recommend imaging if it does not develop as expected.

Can a dialysis catheter be used permanently?

A catheter can sometimes be used for longer periods when other access options are unsuitable. However, long-term catheter use carries risks such as infection, thrombosis, and central venous problems, so an appropriate AV access is generally considered when feasible.

How can I protect my dialysis access?