Vascular Access
More than 80 percent of dialysis patients in the United States are on hemodialysis. Each of these hemodialysis patients needs a blood access. An access allows the blood in your body to be easily taken from an artery or vein through the dialysis machine and easily returned to the body through a vein. Choosing a vascular access is an essential part of treatment. Learning to properly monitor and maintain the access will improve adequacy of dialysis.
There are two primary blood accesses: permanent and temporary. Permanent accesses are designed to stay in your body for longer than six months. Temporary accesses are in your body for a short amount of time. If you have a temporary access you should have it converted to a permanent access as soon as your doctor says it is possible.
The three common types of permanent accesses are:
1. Arterio-Venous Fistula: An AV fistula is a connection made between your own artery and vein. Your artery and vein are joined together under the skin.
2. Arterio-Venous Graft:
An AV graft connects your artery to your vein under the skin. One type of AV graft is made from synthetic (man-made) material.
3. Tunneled Catheter:
The tunneled catheter is a rubber-like tube. This tube is "tunneled" under your skin into a large vein in your body. The tunneled catheter is often referred to by its brand name, "Permcath."
Three common types of temporary blood accesses are:
1. Subclavian Vein Catheter: these are placed through the skin into your body at the collarbone and neck.
2. Internal Jugular Catheter: these are placed through the skin into your body at the neck area.
3. Femoral Vein Catheter: these are placed through the skin at the groin.
To learn more about vascular access choices:
Vascular Access for Hemodialysis (NIDDK)
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vascularaccess/
Undestanding Your Vascular Access Options (AAKP)
Available in both English and Spanish
http://www.aakp.org/brochures/access-options/
Last updated on: February 22, 2008