Access Planning
Planning for Dialysis Access Placement
Planning for dialysis access is an important step in preparing for treatment. In this video, you'll learn about the different types of dialysis access. Your doctor will help you decide on the access type that will help you get the best treatment with the lowest risk of infection.
Key takeaways:
- A dialysis access site makes dialysis treatment possible, safely removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body.
- When a person's start to dialysis isn't planned, a hemodialysis catheter may be placed for fast access to veins. A catheter is not considered a permanent access due to risks of infection.
- For peritoneal dialysis (PD), a PD catheter is placed. For other types of dialysis, you may get an AV fistula or graft.
- Placing your access early allows time to heal and sets you up for a smoother start to dialysis with fewer complications.
- Vein mapping can help your doctor assess your veins to decide if an AV fistula or graft is the safest option for you.
