Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

If you need dialysis due to renal failure, you may be a candidate for a percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation. The interventional radiologists at RIA Endovascular, based in Greenwood Village and Windsor, Colorado, offer this solution at conveniently located hospital sites. This quick procedure can help patients avoid surgical scarring and lifestyle disruptions and serves as an excellent complement to your other options for hemodialysis access. Contact the nearest office by phone today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Who needs a percutaneous arteriovenous (AV) fistula?

If you or a loved one has end-stage kidney disease, you’re going to need dialysis or hemodialysis, the clinical purification of your blood that substitutes for healthy kidney function. 

Since hemodialysis must be performed several times a week, it’s extremely important for your providers to have easy, safe access to your blood vessels. They perform a screening ultrasound to determine if you’re an appropriate candidate.

How does percutaneous AV fistula creation work?

While the name might sound complicated, the skilled providers at RIA Endovascular perform this nonsurgical procedure quickly and safely.

Doctors have relied on surgical AV fistulas to make a connection between a vein and an artery in patients’ arms, but this has some issues and limitations. A percutaneous AV fistula creation is a new method that is minimally invasive and requires no surgical incision or manipulation of your blood vessels.

To create a percutaneous AV fistula, your provider inserts a needle and guides a tiny catheter device into your arm, using imaging to ensure precise placement. 

The needle joins a vein and an artery, and the percutaneous AV fistula device uses a radiofrequency pulse or thermal energy to form a stable connection between them.

Once this is set, your provider removes the device, and you likely go home after a few hours of recovery.

What can I expect after my percutaneous AV fistula creation?

In total, you can expect the procedure to last around 30 minutes. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, patients generally tolerate it very well and have rapid recovery times.

Keep your arm elevated for a time to reduce pain and swelling at the access site. Your provider makes sure you have thorough instructions for post-procedure care.

The new connection allows the blood to flow from your artery into the vein, enlarging it and thickening the vein walls. After a month or two, the fistula matures to the point of being useful for hemodialysis.

If you would like to learn more about how percutaneous AV fistula creation can aid your hemodialysis process, contact the compassionate team of skilled providers at RIA Endovascular today or book an appointment online.