AV Shunt Creation

Before hemodialysis can be done, an access (way for blood to leave and return to your body) is needed. A hemodialysis access (shunt) is usually created in your arm.

Technician and patient

Cutaway view of vein

Creating Your Access(shunt)

The hemodialysis access provides a large volume of rapidly flowing blood. It is made during a short procedure using one of these methods:

  • A fistula is made by connecting an artery to a nearby vein. Blood flows rapidly into the vein, making it larger. It may need weeks or months to develop before its ready.

  • A graft (piece of man-made tube) may be sewn between an artery and a vein if a fistula is not available. Blood flows rapidly through the graft from the artery to the vein. A graft is usually ready to use in a few weeks.

 

Home Care

  • Use two pillows to elevate the arm you had surgery on

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry

  • Your physician will tell you when you are to start your dialysis

 

 

Call Your Doctor if You Have:

  • Increased drainage from the dressing site

  • Changes in temperature (cold to the touch), color (blue), or sensation( tingling, numbness) to the  arm you had surgery on

  • Extreme swelling or pain in the affected arm

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

  • Excessive or abnormal bleeding or increased or continued redness from your incision

  • Chills ofrfever over 101°F by mouth

  • A change or increase in the severity of your pain

  • Any new problems or concerns

AV Shunt Creation

Before hemodialysis can be done, an access (way for blood to leave and return to your body) is needed. A hemodialysis access (shunt) is usually created in your arm.

Technician and patient

Cutaway view of vein

Creating Your Access(shunt)

The hemodialysis access provides a large volume of rapidly flowing blood. It is made during a short procedure using one of these methods:

  • A fistula is made by connecting an artery to a nearby vein. Blood flows rapidly into the vein, making it larger. It may need weeks or months to develop before its ready.

  • A graft (piece of man-made tube) may be sewn between an artery and a vein if a fistula is not available. Blood flows rapidly through the graft from the artery to the vein. A graft is usually ready to use in a few weeks.

 

Home Care

  • Use two pillows to elevate the arm you had surgery on

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry

  • Your physician will tell you when you are to start your dialysis

 

 

Call Your Doctor if You Have:

  • Increased drainage from the dressing site

  • Changes in temperature (cold to the touch), color (blue), or sensation( tingling, numbness) to the  arm you had surgery on

  • Extreme swelling or pain in the affected arm

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

  • Excessive or abnormal bleeding or increased or continued redness from your incision

  • Chills ofrfever over 101°F by mouth

  • A change or increase in the severity of your pain

  • Any new problems or concerns

AV Shunt Creation

Before hemodialysis can be done, an access (way for blood to leave and return to your body) is needed. A hemodialysis access (shunt) is usually created in your arm.

Technician and patient

Cutaway view of vein

Creating Your Access(shunt)

The hemodialysis access provides a large volume of rapidly flowing blood. It is made during a short procedure using one of these methods:

  • A fistula is made by connecting an artery to a nearby vein. Blood flows rapidly into the vein, making it larger. It may need weeks or months to develop before its ready.

  • A graft (piece of man-made tube) may be sewn between an artery and a vein if a fistula is not available. Blood flows rapidly through the graft from the artery to the vein. A graft is usually ready to use in a few weeks.

 

Home Care

  • Use two pillows to elevate the arm you had surgery on

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry

  • Your physician will tell you when you are to start your dialysis

 

 

Call Your Doctor if You Have:

  • Increased drainage from the dressing site

  • Changes in temperature (cold to the touch), color (blue), or sensation( tingling, numbness) to the  arm you had surgery on

  • Extreme swelling or pain in the affected arm

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

  • Excessive or abnormal bleeding or increased or continued redness from your incision

  • Chills ofrfever over 101°F by mouth

  • A change or increase in the severity of your pain

  • Any new problems or concerns
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