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In the event of kidney failure requiring hemodyalisis for blood filtration, a minor surgical procedure is necessary to establish hemodialysis access in one of your extremities. Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, located in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Corona, provides this vital service.
Our proficient board-certified vascular surgeons specialize in creating and maintaining hemodialysis access. Reach out to our offices in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Corona or utilize the online booking feature to arrange an evaluation and ensure timely access to hemodialysis.
What is hemodialysis access?
Hemodialysis access, also called vascular access, is a procedure that allows access to your blood during hemodialysis, a treatment for kidney disease. During hemodialysis, blood travels through the access point to a machine called a dialyzer, which cleans the blood before returning it to your body. Hemodialysis access placement involves a minor surgery.
Am I a candidate for hemodialysis access?
If you develop kidney failure, your specialist reviews treatment options with you, including medications, different types of hemodialysis, and lifestyle changes. If you’re a candidate for hemodialysis, the experts at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates can surgically create hemodialysis access to your bloodstream.
How can I prepare for hemodialysis access?
Your surgeon determines which location is best for vascular access. They choose an area with strong blood flow, often in your arm or leg. Your specialist may use Doppler ultrasound or venography tests to evaluate blood flow at potential access sites.
You may need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure. The Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates team lets you know if you should avoid food and drink the morning of your scheduled surgery.
What happens when creating hemodialysis access?
Your provider numbs the treatment area and offers a sedative to relax you or general anesthesia that makes you fall asleep. They use advanced surgical methods to create a strong access point to your bloodstream using a fistula, graft, or catheter.
What should I expect after a hemodialysis access procedure?
You may initially experience tenderness and swelling at the site of hemodialysis access. Keep the incision site clean and dry, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until given the OK. Call the Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates office if you develop signs of infection. Fistulas and grafts take several weeks to heal before you can undergo hemodialysis.
Your doctor may recommend you complete hemodialysis three times weekly for 3-5 hours per session, shorter daily in-office sessions, or home hemodialysis to reduce the risk of life-threatening kidney disease complications.
If you need hemodialysis access, schedule an appointment at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates by phone or online today.