Hemodialysis is a preferred treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Hemodialysis is a preferred treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease. In this t procedure, the blood is filtered outside the body by a dialyzer or “artificial kidney”. For hemodialysis, a vascular access is created to insert the needles that connect the dialyzer, thereby allowing the blood to move out and return to the body at a high rate. An arteriovenous fistula is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis.
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is created by connecting an artery to a vein, usually in the wrist or upper arm. But sometimes, the fistula can become infected, blocked or narrowed. The blocked fistula can be treated by a balloon fistuloplasty.
Balloon fistuloplasty is a procedure in which any blockage or narrowing in the fistula is located by using a dye, and the blockage is relieved by stretching the blood vessels with a special balloon.
In this procedure, a small balloon is inflated for several times at the narrowed regions of a fistula; if required a stent may also be placed. This technique widens the lumen and facilitates the process of dialysis.
A fistula can age and cause problems like clotting and scarring, thereby decreasing its function and effectiveness of dialysis. Clots can decrease the rate of blood flow or block the fistula completely. If these problems are left untreated, it may lead to the failure of fistula.
Thus, it is important to treat the narrowing or blockage at an early stage, so that the fistula works well, and dialysis occurs without any complications.
Fistuloplasty is usually a safe procedure, but some complications may occur rarely. The common risks and complications associated with fistuloplasty include:
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions to prepare for the procedure, which may include:
Inform your healthcare provider if you:
The following are the steps usually performed in a fistuloplasty:
Usually, fistuloplasty takes about one hour, but the duration may vary in different patients.
You will have to stay in the hospital after the procedure for three to four hours for observation. Your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels in the body will be monitored regularly. You may return to your normal diet. The fistula is ready to use immediately after the procedure.
Your nurse will tell you when you can go home. You will need a friend or a family member to drive you home; using public transport is not recommended.
Your fistula should be ready for use immediately after the procedure.
The following measures will help you recover better after a fistuloplasty:
if you have any of the following symptoms:
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