What Should You Know About Renal Dialysis Access?
When your kidneys fail, there is no way to filter out waste products and toxins from the blood. In this case, dialysis acts as a suitable treatment for people and helps remove waste from the bloodstream. If you have lost your kidneys or suffer from failing kidneys, dialysis is a suitable treatment. For the dialysis procedure, a surgeon will create a renal dialysis access, a vascular access into your bloodstream. That’s how dialysis helps to filter out waste and toxins from the blood.
At Pensler Vein and Vascular Surgical Institute, you can opt for the best care in terms of vein and vascular treatments. The institute believes in treating patients with compassion and care and using the latest technology for effective treatments.

HowCanYouCareforYourAccess?
Dialysis doesn’t take place on its own. To remove the toxins and waste product from the blood, there has to be some point of access to the bloodstream. For that, doctors suggest getting renal dialysis access. This vascular access connects your bloodstream to an artificial kidney that filters out your blood.
The vascular access may comprise a fistula, catheter, or even a graft. This access is critical to your dialysis procedure and should receive top-quality care from you. Here are some of the best care tips and all that you need to know about renal dialysis access. Read carefully and ensure that you take all the necessary steps to protect your renal dialysis access to prevent any hiccups in your dialysis procedures.
Catheter
- Cather dressing should change after every session (Dialysis) by the care team
- Ensure the catheter dressing is dry and clean
- Don’t allow air into your catheter
- Store an emergency dressing kit to restore or replace your catheter dressing by yourself
Graft/Fistula
- Inquire the dressing area to see if there is any redness, pimple growth, or warmth near the access
- Clean using antibacterial soaps after dialysis every day
- Avoid scabbing or scratching
- Ensure the access needle rotation after each session
WhatMayHappenAfterHemodialysis
Dialysis removes toxins and waste products from your body when your kidneys can’t function. It is an important procedure that uses a dialyzer as an artificial kidney to filter your blood. The process can be as long as 3-5 hours, depending on your condition. Some people have to go through 3-hour-long sessions three times every week.
The side effects of these sessions could include low blood pressure, dizziness, and nausea. Other effects include headaches, muscle cramps, itchy skin, back pain, and chest pain.
Conclusion
There are several ways to ensure the safety and protection of your renal dialysis access. However, the best advice can come from the right vein and vascular surgeon around you. You can receive the required vascular treatments and care at Pensler Vein and Vascular Surgical Institute at the hands of renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Pensler.
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