Dialysis Access

Our kidneys filter wastes and excess fluid from our bodies. Some patients suffer from a gradual reduction of kidney function called chronic kidney disease. When the kidney function deteriorates past the point of medical management, hemodialysis is initiated. Hemodialysis consists of sessions in which a machine filters waste from the blood. These sessions are usually three times a week. Patients on dialysis need creation of an access; this is most commonly done through an arteriovenous fistula, although sometimes a prosthetic graft or catheter may be indicated. An arteriovenous fistula is created by connecting an artery to a vein. For patients in need of dialysis access, your surgeon will assess your anatomy and determine which type of dialysis access can be used for you. Dialysis access is usually created in the non-dominant arm; periodic procedures called angiograms of the fistula may be needed to maintain the fistula function as the fistula matures and is cannulated.

If you or a loved one needs dialysis, the experts at Mount Sinai South Nassau Dialysis Services offer convenient options for treatment.

Risk Factors

• Patients with ESRD often have poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, advanced age, and smoking history
  
• Kidney conditions such as polycystic kidney disease can lower kidney function and require initiation of dialysis
  

Treatment

• After the creation of the dialysis access, regular follow up with your vascular surgeon and nephrologist is required to maintain kidney function and hemodialysis access

Learn more

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Varicose and Spider Veins
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Dialysis Access
Wound Care
Vascular Lab
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lymphedema
Mesenteric Ischemia