Vascular Access Surgery in Boulder, CO

If you have kidney failure and need to go on dialysis, vascular access will enable you to receive the treatment you require. Alpine Surgical offers vascular access surgery in Boulder, CO. Read on to learn about the many types of vascular access.

What Is Vascular Access?

Unless you get a kidney transplant, you will have to begin dialysis to replace your failing kidneys. A surgeon will need to make what is known as a vascular access before you can begin dialysis. The dialysis machine will attach to your circulation through a vascular access.

Your blood is cleaned by the dialysis machine and then returned to your body during treatments through the vascular access. It is a surgically created pathway through your vein to access the bloodstream, which makes it easier to clean your blood. The access should be attached to you weeks or months before your first dialysis treatment.

Types of Vascular Access

For hemodialysis, artery vein fistulas, artery vein grafts, and catheters are the three most-used forms of vascular access.

Artery Vein Fistula

An artery-venous fistula (AV fistula) is a surgically constructed link between a vein and an artery. A huge blood vessel with a lot of blood flowing through it is created by this procedure.

Typically, an AV fistula is found in the space between your elbow and wrist. In order to access your bloodstream during dialysis treatments, the technician places needles into the AV fistula.

Artery Vein Graft

A soft, rubbery tube called an artery vein graft (AV graft) is surgically implanted into your arm. Although an AV graft is typically placed in the arm, it can also be placed in the chest or leg. In order to reach your bloodstream during dialysis treatments, the technician inserts needles into the tubing.

Catheter

A catheter, also known as a venous catheter, is a tube that is inserted into a vein, typically in the upper chest or neck. Catheters are only used temporarily and for a short time. For instance, if you require dialysis immediately and the AV fistula or AV graft is still healing, you might require a catheter.

Permanent, long-term access to your bloodstream can be achieved by an AV fistula or AV graft, which can last for years. Compared to catheters, AV fistulas and grafts are less likely to result in blood clots and infections because they are under your skin.

Creating Reliable Access Points for Dialysis or Chemotherapy

If you or a loved one requires dialysis or chemotherapy, Alpine Surgical can help create a reliable vascular access for your treatment. We have two surgeons with years of experience in access point creation. Contact our office today for more information.