Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Understanding your hemodialysis access options

http://www.aakp.org/library/attachments/understanding%20your%20hemodialysis%20access%20options%20eng.pdf

 

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT DOCUMENT FROM AAKP!

 

Hemodialysis, is the most often used treatment for end-stage renal disease

(ESRD), more commonly known as kidney failure. During a hemodialysis

treatment, a machine pumps blood from your body by way of a flexible,

plastic tube, cleans it and then returns it to your body through a separate

tube. In order to perform hemodialysis, an access must be created. An

access is a site from which blood can be safely removed and returned to

your body. The access site is often referred to as your "lifeline."

 

There are two types of dialysis accesses. The first kind involves the creation

of a permanent connection between an artery and a vein under the skin. The

two kinds of permanent accesses, fistulas and grafts, are used for patients

with renal failure who are expected to need long-term dialysis treatment.

Fistulas and grafts are usually placed in the arm, but they may also be

placed in the leg. They are surgically placed a few months before dialysis

is scheduled to begin in order to allow for the site to heal and develop

properly.

 

The other type of access involves the direct placement of a tube into

a large vein in the neck, chest or groin. As described in this brochure,

catheters are most appropriately reserved for patients needing short-term

dialysis or patients on long-term dialysis who no longer have a place to

insert a fistula or graft.............................

 

 

 

 

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