When the kidneys fail, dialysis is used until a kidney transplant can be performed. Dialysis is a treatment that filters waste from the body’s bloodstream. Before dialysis can be administered, an access may be surgically installed, creating a pathway for dialysis treatment to reach the patient’s body.
At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Vascular Center, an integral part of in Georgia Heart Institute, our multi-disciplinary team offers expert treatment personalized to fit your individual needs. Our team provides comprehensive care that allows our patients to receive leading dialysis treatments locally.
What are the types of dialysis access?
Dialysis access is performed in one of two ways: either through hemodialysis, a process where the blood is filtered through a machine outside the body, or via peritoneal dialysis, a process that pumps cleansing fluid through the abdominal cavity. Patients undergoing hemodialysis may benefit from a vascular surgeon installing a more permanent access.
Types of dialysis access
Hemodialysis utilizes a dialysis machine with a filter called a dialyzer, which is connected to an artery in the patient’s body, to remove harmful waste from the patient’s bloodstream.
Hemodialysis access procedures include:
- AV Fistulas: This form of access attaches a vein from your arm, or sometimes your leg, to a nearby artery, creating an enlarged vein. This method reduces the risk of infection.
- AV Grafts: During an AV graft, a prosthetic graft is placed between a vein and an artery in the arm or leg, allowing for faster healing.
- Dialysis Catheter – This method uses a catheter, or soft tube, which is inserted into a central vein in the neck.
Is a dialysis permanent?
Depending on your individual needs, our care team may recommend either temporary or permanent access. During your treatment, a member of our care team will discuss the best course of treatment recommended for your situation.
Choose Georgia Heart Institute
As part of the foremost heart and vascular program in the area, the Vascular Center of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group provides a dedicated team of extensively trained vascular specialists. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technology, our focus is on providing the best possible results for our patients. From managing high blood pressure to installing dialysis access, our care team is skilled at supporting those with advanced kidney failure in their health journey.
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