Question 1

why do physicians use metal needles to access dialysis fistula?

Accepted Answer

It is less traumatic: Usually specially-trained nurses or technicians access dialysis fistulas, not physicians. Metal needles are used to help penetrate the skin and the thickened wall of the vein accurately and with minimal trauma. Sometimes blunt needles are used (if a buttonholing technique is being employed).

Question 2

how does a fistula work to dialysis patient?

Accepted Answer

It acts: As a means by which you can take blood out, run it through the machine (acting as the kidneys) and returning it to the body.  It connects blood in the artery to the vein in a way that can be repeatedly punctured with a needle but is also low enough pressure that it won't bleed.

Question 3

dialysis shunt and dialysis fistula the same?

Accepted Answer

No: A shunt, or graft, is a piece of synthetic tubular material inserted under the skin that dialysis needles insert directly into.  
A fistula is a connection of your own artery to a vein.  Needles are then placed into the vein when the wall thickness matures.

Question 4

what does a dialysis fistula actually do?

Accepted Answer

Access to blood: At dialysis needles are inserted into a fistual so bad blood (blood with abnormal electrolytes and toxins) are taken from your body and brought to the dialysis machine.  Then the good blood (blood with good electrolytes and free of toxins) are brought back to your body through the other needle in the fistula. The fistula provides the avenue where your blood can be treated.

Question 5

what does a fistula for dialysis really look like?

Accepted Answer

A fistula: A fistula for dialysis is created by connecting a vein in the arm to an artery and giving it usually 6-8 weeks to mature. A good fistula is anatomically not visible but felt through the thrill and bruit it creates. So you should not be able to know the location of a fistula if it is well done.

Question 6

what does it mean to be fitted with a fistula for dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Vein Mapping?: It is common to obtain an ultrasound of the veins and arteries in the arm to "map" their locations and diameters. We also want to make sure they are not scarred. Based on this "vein and arterial mapping study", we plan the appropriate fistula or graft.

Question 7

what does an av fistula for dialysis mean?

Accepted Answer

Arteriovenous fistul: It is an arteriovenous fistula. It is a surgical connection of an artery and a vein. Once "mature", it is where they insert the needles for the blood to flow to the dialysis machine. It can take 3 months or so from "creation" until it is ready to use.

Question 8

is a dialysis fistula also called a shunt?

Accepted Answer

yes : Av shunt, arteriovenous shunt are the other names for a fistula.

Question 9

how long after dialysis fistula can you go swimming?'

Accepted Answer

Wound healing: Once the surgical site has healed, you can go swimming.  Should be about 2-3 weeks. Get a final ok from your surgeon.

Question 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Needles dialysis fistula

A member asked:

Why do physicians use metal needles to access dialysis fistula?

A member asked:

How does a fistula work to dialysis patient?

A member asked:

Dialysis shunt and dialysis fistula the same?

A member asked:

What does a dialysis fistula actually do?

A member asked:

What does a fistula for dialysis really look like?

A member asked:

What does it mean to be fitted with a fistula for dialysis?

A member asked:

What does an av fistula for dialysis mean?

A member asked:

Is a dialysis fistula also called a shunt?

A member asked:

How long after dialysis fistula can you go swimming?'

A member asked:

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

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