Over 34 million Americans have diabetes, a condition that can lead to a myriad of complications including kidney disease.
Some patients with diabetic kidney disease will eventually end up needing hemodialysis. To make these treatments possible, a vascular access is needed. The surgeons of Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center in Knoxville are experienced in installing vascular access for kidney patients.
About the Vascular Access Surgery
The vascular access prepares the patient for dialysis treatment. To do this, the patient undergoes a vascular access procedure. It’s a day case surgery, which means the patient doesn’t have to stay overnight in the hospital.
In a vascular access surgery, the surgeon either creates an arteriovenous fistula (a direct connection between a major artery and vein in the arm) or an arteriovenous graft (artificial tubes that connect an artery and vein in your arm, designed to be easily accessed with a dialysis machine).
Preparing for Vascular Access Surgery
Before the procedure, you will meet with the surgeon to plan where the access will be created. This will involve taking scans of your blood vessels in your arm to determine the most suitable blood vessels to use.
After the Surgery
After the procedure, you may be given some painkillers. You will also be given instructions for aftercare. This may include:
• Keeping your arm raised above your heart to reduce the risk of swelling
• Keeping the vascular access clean and dry at all times
• Keeping the access from getting bumped or compressed
Before you leave the hospital, you will be advised on what to monitor on your vascular access and when to see your doctor.
The team at Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center will guide you all throughout the process. We have a dedicated Access Center RN who works with our patients and their dialysis clinic. Our certified Vascular Surgeons are experienced experts in treating vascular conditions and performing vascular procedures such as access surgery.
If you have concerns about your vascular access and would like to request an appointment with the Premier Vascular and Vein Center, call us at (865) 588-8229 or go online to https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/.