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    Hemodialysis Access Types: What's Best and What's Next

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    There are 3 types of access for hemodialysis (HD): AV (arteriovenous) fistula, graft and HD catheter. Choosing the best access for you will help you get the most out of your treatment and help you stay your healthiest. It’s important to understand which types are recommended—and why.

    Fistula vs. graft vs. catheter

    See how the choices compare so you can make an informed decision.

    FISTULA (AV OR AVF)
    The gold standard of HD access sites
    Improves the quality of your dialysis treatment
    Offers low risk of infection
    Lasts up to 20+ years
    Helps you avoid complications and hospitalizations
    Offers the best survival rate of all AV access sites
    Good for anyone who’s physically eligible for the optimal access
    Graft
    A good alternative if you’re not a candidate for a fistula
    Improves the quality of your dialysis treatment
    Offers low risk of infection
    Helps you avoid complications and hospitalizations
    May help prepare you for a fistula later
    Good for people with smaller or weaker veins
    Good for people who can’t get a fistula and want their best access
    Catheter
    Not recommended unless required for health reasons
    Possible to upgrade to another access
    Good for people who medically require a hemodialysis catheter
    FISTULA (AV OR AVF) Graft HD Catheter
    The gold standard of HD access sites A good alternative if you’re not a candidate for a fistula Not recommended unless required for health reasons
    Improves the quality of your dialysis treatment
    Offers low risk of infection
    Lasts up to 20 years
    Helps you avoid complications and hospitalizations
    Offers the best survival rate of all HD access sites
    Good for people with smaller or weaker veins
    Possible to upgrade to a better access
    Who it’s good for Anyone who’s physically able and wants the best access Anyone who can’t get a fistula and wants an effective access Anyone who medically requires a hemodialysis catheter

    It’s never too early to discuss access types

    The sooner you and your doctor decide on your best hemodialysis access, the better. Planning ahead gives you the most flexibility in getting the access type you want. Ask your doctor if a fistula is right for you.

    Planning your access surgery

    Once you and your doctor have decided on an access type, you’ll want to schedule your surgery. Azura Vascular Care, an affiliate of Fresenius Kidney Care, offers minimally invasive, outpatient dialysis access surgery.

    Find a location near you
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