How is av fistula created

Venous catheters are the most likely to cause infection and clotting problems. If these problems develop, medication may help. Antibiotics are medications that fight bacteria that can cause infection.

Blood thinners such as warfarin keep blood from clotting. If these treatments fail, a nephrologist or an interventional radiologist will need to replace the catheter. Researchers have not found that eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in causing or preventing problems with a vascular access. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Smith Cardiovascular Research Bldg. Health care providers recommend an AV fistula over the other types of access because it Provides good blood flow for dialysis. Lasts longer than other types of access. Is less likely to get infected or cause blood clots than other types of access. What is an arteriovenous graft? Set Up the Vascular Access Well before Starting Hemodialysis Patients should set up a vascular access well before starting hemodialysis, as AV fistulas and AV grafts both need time to mature before they are ready for use.

Request an Appointment. Refer a Patient. Multi-Lingual Driving Directions. Vascular Surgery Clinic at Mission Bay. Vascular Surgery Clinic at Parnassus. Clinical Team Michael S. Conte, M. Eichler, M. Vascular Surgeon Chris E. Freise, M. Transplant Surgeon Warren J. Gasper, M.

Vascular Surgeon Jade S. Hiramoto, M. Vascular Surgeon James C. Iannuzzi, M. Vascular Surgeon Linda M. Reilly, M. Vascular Surgeon Peter A. Schneider, M. Vascular Surgeon. The McGraw-Hill Companies; Accessed April 16, Stone CK, et al. Vascular emergencies. McGraw-Hill Education; Eidt J, et al. Acquired arteriovenous fistula of the lower extremity. Cameron AM, et al. Pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas.

In: Current Surgical Therapy. Elsevier; Gossage JR, et al. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: Clinical features and diagnostic evaluation in adults. Mankad R expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. May 1, The first step in AV fistula creation is to evaluate your blood vessels veins and arteries , to ensure they are healthy enough to support a fistula. The first step in the evaluation will be a physical examination of your arms performed by your vascular specialist.

The next step will involve the use of non-invasive or minimally invasive tests such as ultrasound, and possibly an angiogram to determine the size and depth of your arteries and veins. These tests will determine whether or not your blood vessels are able to support an AV fistula. To create an AV fistula, the vascular specialist will administer local anesthesia to the chosen access site.

Next, your physician will make a small incision, allowing access to the selected arteries and veins. A surgical connection is made between an artery and a vein. This connection causes blood to flow from the artery into the vein, this increased blood flow through the vein results in enlargement of the vein and thickening of the vein walls.

After the AV fistula has been created, it will take several weeks, in some cases a month or longer, for the fistula to mature to the point where it will be able to be used for your hemodialysis treatments.

AV fistula creation can be done as an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight hospitalization. In general, you should be able to go home a few hours after the procedure is completed.