What are Dialysis and Fistula/Graft Declotting Interventions?
Dialysis fistula/graft declotting interventions are minimally invasive procedures performed to improve blood flow in the fistula and grafts placed in the blood vessels of dialysis patients. Dialysis is a process used to treat patients whose kidneys are not working properly. It involves a special machine and tubing that removes blood from the body, cleanses it of waste and extra fluid and then returns it back to the body. In order to undergo dialysis, a physician first creates access to a patient’s blood vessel using one of three methods: • a fistula, which is made by joining together an artery and vein to make a bigger high-flow blood vessel. • a graft, in which a soft plastic tube is placed between an artery and a vein, creating an artificial high-flow blood vessel. • catheter access, in which a narrow plastic tube is inserted into a large vein in the neck. When fistulas and grafts become clogged or narrowed, which can prevent a patient from undergoing dialysis, interventional radiolo
