Yes: Anytime you have a catheter in the vein, they can scar down. All of the veins in your arm come together into to one vein near the heart. When this area narrows, all the extra blood in your arm from the fistula, can't be drained fast enough. This causes your arm to swell. You should see an interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon that does "endovascular procedures".
Answered 1/16/2013
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Venous Hypertension: The fistula causes increase blood flow through the veins draining the arm. If the veins are blocked or narrowed (both possible because of long term dialysis catheter) the increased pressure causes more fluid to collect in the arm and cause swelling. An interventional radiologist might be able to treat the narrowing with a baloon dilation and stunting.
Answered 11/2/2015
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