Diagnostics of an AV Fistula
Before establishing vascular access (AV fistula) for dialysis, the vascular surgeon will inquire about your medical history to see if you have any other underlying diseases. The veins and arteries are also preoperatively diagnosed. A complete diagnostic of the arterial and venous systems is required, especially for patients with grade 4 or 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or associated illnesses such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and so on.
Several imaging procedures, including doppler ultrasonography, CT angiography, MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram), modified Allen test, and others, are used to assess the axillary, brachial, radial, and ulnar pulses in both upper extremities.
An ultrasound or angiography is used to evaluate the size and depth of the arteries. the veins to see if the blood vessels can support the AV fistula.
The entire process is also known as vessel mapping. The diagnostic techniques' results will assist evaluate if AV fistula surgery is the safest choice for dialysis access.
Dialysis AV Fistula Surgery
The vascular surgeon will enquire about your medical history to see whether you have any other underlying issues before providing vascular access (AV fistula) for dialysis. Preoperative vein and artery diagnostics is also performed. A complete arterial and venous system diagnostic is required, especially for patients with grade 4 or 5 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or associated illnesses such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and so on.
Many imaging tests, including To assess the axillary, brachial, radial, and ulnar pulses in both upper extremities, methods such as doppler ultrasonography, CT angiography, MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram), modified Allen test, and others are used.
An angiography or ultrasound is performed to measure the size and depth of the arteries and veins in order to establish if the blood vessels can sustain the AV fistula.
The entire process is also known as vessel mapping. The diagnostic techniques' results will assist evaluate if AV fistula surgery is the safest choice for dialysis access.
Vascular Access Surgery, commonly known as AV fistula surgery for dialysis, is often performed using minimally invasive procedures. The doctor will inject local anaesthetic into the access location and perform the following procedures. The following measures will be taken:
To get access to the arteries and veins, a tiny incision will be created in the surgery site. The treatment is usually performed on the non-dominant arm, often known as the access arm.
The artery (which delivers blood from the heart) and vein (which returns blood to the heart) are connected together to form a narrow channel, known as a fistula.
When the AV fistula for dialysis is formed, the wound is closed using dissolvable sutures.
The procedure is done as an outpatient and takes around an hour to complete. The patient is discharged the same day, and the surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to care for the access arm.