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Hemodialysis Access Management

AV grafts and fistulas may develop low blood flows, an indication of clotting or narrowing of the access. In this situation, the AV graft may require angioplasty, a procedure to widen the small segment that is narrowed, or thrombolysis administration of "clot busting" agent.

For some patients, long-term catheter access must be used. A catheter is a tube inserted into a vein in either your neck or chest. It has two chambers to allow two-way flow of blood. Once a catheter is placed, needle insertion is not necessary.

Catheters that will be needed for more than about 3 weeks are designed to be tunneled under the skin to increase comfort and reduce complications. (see our Central Venous Access page)

Planning for this procedure

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