How to Prepare for Your Dialysis Fistula Creation Procedure Fistulagrams Albuquerque

Fistulagrams Albuquerque creation is a commonly Arteriovenous fistulas are the preferred initial access compared to prosthetic grafts or hemodialysis catheters because they are less prone to infection and thrombosis, which increase the risk of mortality and morbidity [1]. Due to this, it is important to be prepared before you undergo your dialysis fistula creation procedure so that you can prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally as much as possible.

What is a dialysis fistula?

A dialysis fistula is a  Fistulagrams Albuquerque vascular access created from the artery in your arm and the vein in your other arm. A surgeon makes an incision on both arms, usually below the elbow, before joining them together with a catheter. The catheter supplies blood and fluids to one arm while removing blood and waste products from the other arm.
The procedure takes about two hours. You will be in surgery for about two hours followed by another six hours of recovery time as you heal over the next week or two. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.

Who needs a dialysis fistula?

Dialysis fistulas are generally the preferred initial vascular access compared to prosthetic grafts or hemodialysis catheters. If you are suffering from end-stage renal disease and require permanent vascular access, a dialysis fistula is the way to go. Dialysis fistulas can be created by percutaneously creating an arteriovenous fistula using a pilot catheter inserted through a peripheral vein in your arm. This will result in two new holes (arteriovenous anastomosis) on either side of your body that will allow blood and dialysate fluid to flow. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation and takes about one hour, depending on how complicated the creation needs to be.

Why are dialysis fistulas preferable to other types of vascular access?

Dialysis fistulas have a lower risk of infection, less vascular damage, and higher quality of life scores. Patients with arteriovenous fistulas also have better survival rates. The process of creating the dialysis fistula is very painful and uncomfortable, so it’s important to prepare for the procedure beforehand. Here are a few ways you can do this:
-Start your daily dose of vitamin C one week prior to your surgery date. This will help prevent bleeding by increasing your blood’s clotting ability. -Eliminate any food that contains dyes or chemicals, such as red wine or purple grape juice (purple grape juice contains sulfur dioxide). These substances can be toxic if they enter the bloodstream during surgery.

How do you prepare for a dialysis fistula procedure?

1. Find a hemodialysis center.
2. Fill out the necessary paperwork.
3. Get your referral from your primary care provider (PCP).
4. Contact the hemodialysis center and get on their list of patients who need dialysis fistulas created, or ask them to contact you when they have an opening for a new patient in your area.
5. Set up a pre-admission appointment with the nephrologist, which is typically done over the phone or via email, but this may vary depending on the hemodialysis center’s requirements and availability of space in their facility.