A vascular access is an artificial connection between an artery and a vein where blood is diverted toward the vein. The resulting high blood flow through the vein causes the vein to expand and thicken. A vascular access lets high volumes of blood flow continuously during hemodialysis treatments to filter the greatest possible amounts of blood per treatment. A vascular access may be
- long lasting–more durable
- temporary–used for a short time
A long-lasting vascular access takes weeks to months to mature, or grow stronger, after the procedure to create the access. Ideally, a working access is in place before your first hemodialysis treatment. You should work closely with your nephrologist–a doctor who specializes in kidney problems–and vascular surgeon–a surgeon who works with blood vessels–to make sure the access is in place in plenty of time.
The veins in your arm are your “lifeline,” and it is important to protect them prior to starting dialysis. If an arm vein is damaged by an IV line or by repeated blood draws, it may not be suitable for the surgery described below. If you are approaching dialysis, remind health care providers to draw blood and insert IV lines only in veins below your wrist.