What happens if dialysis can't be pumped in through a vein in the arm?

Other options: Include veins in the other arm or the legs. Also, another kind of dialysis that does not require veins or blood flow is called peritoneal dialysis could be done throught the abdominal wall.

Leg or Catheter: If dialysis access cannot be established in the arm, a graft or fistula can be created in the leg as well. If there are no suitable veins anywhere, the last resort is to use a catheter inserted into a central vein (usually thru the neck) for long term use. There is also a new device called the hero which is a sort of hybrid between a graft and a catheter. Discuss your options with your surgeon.

Need Catheter: If an av fistula fails in dialysis patients, then they require a dialysis catheter until another long term dialysis access can be established. If all arm veins are too small or scarred, then it is possible to place an av graft (synthetic tube to connect the arterial and venous systems). Av grafts are typically made of gore-tex (ptfe).

Other access: Can use veins in legs, can use catheters inserted in the veins, and may be able to use your belly (peritoneal dialysis).