AV Fistula Salvage

 

Who requires this procedure ?

This procedure is indicated for kidney patients who have a AV Fistula for dialysis, wich has stopped functioning.

 

What is the underlying problem?

The underlying disease is a block/ narrowing of the fistula, thereby reducing the blood flow through the dialysis.

 

What are the consequences of postponing / worst complication if left untreated?

Unless treated at the right time the patients may eventually land up in complete kidney failure and eventually death.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Doppler Ultrasound.

 

What are the steps of procedure?

The block is cleared using wire and catheters, lumen is opened using a balloon and sometimes stents are used to preserve the lumen,.

 

Why endovascular approach?

As most of the patients are unfit for the surgical options and interventional radiology offers solution through a 3mm hole under local anaesthesia as a day care procedure.

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Sign Of A Falling Fistula :-

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•   If there is bleeding from Av fistula

•   If there are any signs of infection, or any changes in apperance to the skin, such as swelling, red skin, pus   or if the skin around the Av fistula is warm to the touch.

•   If there is bulging over the Av fistula or in your hand.

•   If you have a fever of above 100.5F (38C), or chills.

•   If pulse in your Av fistula is slower than normal, or if you cannot feel a pulse.

•   If your hands or legs are numb, cold to the touch or weak.

•   If there is swelling to your arm , leg, face or neck.

•   If enlarged veins appear on upper arm or chest.

•  If there is an increase in venous pressure during dialysis or a decrease in blood flowing    through Av fistula.

•  If there is prolonged bleeding after removal of dialysis needles.

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