Dialysis Access
Ensuring reliable, durable access for hemodialysis through expert surgical creation, routine maintenance, and emergency repairs.
Dialysis Access
Ensuring reliable, durable access for hemodialysis through expert surgical creation, routine maintenance, and emergency repairs.
Comprehensive Dialysis Access Care
Dialysis access is the lifeline for patients receiving hemodialysis. It allows blood to safely travel from the body to the dialysis machine and back again. The main types include AV fistulas, AV grafts, and dialysis catheters.
At Vascular Surgeons of Houston, we provide complete dialysis access care, including access planning, fistula creation, graft placement, catheter placement and removal, fistulograms, angioplasty, thrombectomy, and revision surgery.
Dialysis Access Options
AV Fistula
An arteriovenous fistula, or AV fistula, is created by connecting one of your own veins to an artery. Over time, the vein becomes stronger and larger so it can be used for dialysis. AV fistulas are often preferred because they generally last longer and have a lower infection risk.
AV Graft
An AV graft uses a small artificial tube to connect an artery and vein. This may be recommended when a patient’s veins are too small or not strong enough for a fistula. Grafts can often be used sooner than fistulas but may require closer monitoring over time.
Dialysis Catheter
Prompt intervention for narrowing (stenosis) or clotting to restore function and prevent therapy interruption.
Maintaining Your Access
Dialysis access can sometimes narrow, clot, become infected, or stop working properly. Warning signs include poor dialysis flow, prolonged bleeding after treatment, arm swelling, pain, redness, drainage, loss of thrill, or difficulty with needle placement.
Treatment may include:
Fistulogram to evaluate the access
Balloon angioplasty to open a narrowed area
Stent placement in selected cases
Thrombectomy to remove clot from the access
Surgical revision to repair or improve the access
Catheter placement or removal when needed
Maintaining
Access Function
We work closely with nephrologists and dialysis centers to ensure each patient receives the most durable option. When problems such as narrowing or clotting occur, we offer prompt evaluation.
Prompt evaluation for suspected access stenosis
Minimally invasive thrombectomy for clotted access
Fistulograms to identify and treat flow issues
Coordination with local dialysis centers for same-day triage
"Our goal is to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and restore both the health and appearance of your legs—helping you get back to living comfortably."
Dr. Neil Desai
The Desai Difference
Precision and compassion in access management
Lifeline Priority
We understand that dialysis access is a patient's lifeline; we prioritize repairs to minimize dialysis downtime.
Nephrology Synergy
Close collaboration with your kidney specialist and dialysis center for integrated vascular management.
Conservative Approach
We focus on creating the most durable access possible, favoring autogenous fistulas whenever clinically viable.
Restore your Flow
Don't wait for complications. Schedule your expert assessment today and start your journey to recovery.
Board-certified vascular surgery specializing in advanced life-saving technologies.
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Monday – Friday : 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday : Closed
Restoring Flow.
Renewing Life.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Desai today and experience advanced, compassionate care for your recovery.