Question 1

av fistula, av graft, subclavian or femoral catheter, av shunt permanent or temporary, which is better?

Accepted Answer

AV fistula: Countless studies and decades of research have shown a clear advantage for patients who undergo hemodialysis through an av fistula.  The second best is an av graft and all catheter-based modalities for hemodialysis are a distant third.

Question 2

can an av fistula be created by one doctor and closed (this is the only thing he is doing), so that another doctor can treat and aortic aneurysm with a graft?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Ask your doctors to communicate and to develop a treatment plan. That way everyone knows what to expect.

Question 3

why is my av fistula ugly?

Accepted Answer

Weak Areas: Repeated trauma from the use of the needles to access for avf builds up over time. If happens to some degree in every patient but can happen more in patients who get the same areas "re-stuck" every time.  These are called pseudoaneursyms. Best practice is to rotate "sticks" (needle access) as much as possible. Some patients need to have these operated on in extreme situations.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: av fistula creation?

Accepted Answer

HrmodialysisSurgery : Operation connecting an artery and vein directly to allow the vein to be used for hemodialysis.  No plastic out artificial material is used. The surgery uses superficial being that are easy for dialysis nurses to access.  This is an outpatient surgery.

Question 5

what is the process of decloting an av fistula for dialysis patients?

Accepted Answer

Two methods : There are two methods: mechanical or chemical. Occasionally both methods are used. In general, the doctor accesses the av graft or fistula with a needle and places a tube into the graft. He then uses wires and catheters to cross the clot and inject clot busting meds. There are devices he can use that also break up clot. Or, he can open the graft and use special balloons to pull clot out.

Question 6

is it required to shut down a mature av fistula for surgery on the same side?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes: If there are 2 functioning av accesses on the same side, there is higher risk of access steal (not enough blood flow to the hand, producing hand pain and sometimes gangrene of the fingers). If the mature access is having problems (pseudo aneurysms, stenosis), most times we can repair it rather than sacrifice it to place another access.

Question 7

is an av fistula permanent or temporary?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If this is an aquifers avf from catheterization or other vascular injury it should be repaired and is temporary. If you are referring to a avf for dialysis this is relatively permanent.

Question 8

is it true that av fistula is permanent?

Accepted Answer

Need info: A surgically created fistula for dialysis is not removed unless infected. An av fistula from other sources may need repair. Why do you have an av fistula?

Question 9

can a person have an external av fistula?

Accepted Answer

Yes- not practical: It turns out that the first "fistulas" made years ago when dialysis first started were "external" fistulas. They were actually synthetic/plastic tubes connecting an artery to a vein. There were significant problems with bleeding and infections. These "external" fist las are not used today. If someone needs urgent dialysis they get a catheter. For long term dialysis either a fistula or a graft.

Question 10

can a failed av fistula be reactivated? how?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A failed av fistula can be from either clot or "stenosis".  A thrombectomy can be performed if the clot is new, a stenosis can be dilated with a balloon tipped catheter.  Unfortunately, av fistula failure commonly recurs in the same fistula and usually necessitates the creation of a new one in time.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Av fistula vs graft

A member asked:

Av fistula, av graft, subclavian or femoral catheter, av shunt permanent or temporary, which is better?

A member asked:

Can an av fistula be created by one doctor and closed (this is the only thing he is doing), so that another doctor can treat and aortic aneurysm with a graft?

A member asked:

Why is my av fistula ugly?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: av fistula creation?

A member asked:

What is the process of decloting an av fistula for dialysis patients?

A member asked:

Is it required to shut down a mature av fistula for surgery on the same side?

A member asked:

Is an av fistula permanent or temporary?

A member asked:

Is it true that av fistula is permanent?

A member asked:

Can a person have an external av fistula?

A member asked:

Can a failed av fistula be reactivated? how?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?