dialyse shunt

A dialysis shunt—more commonly referred to as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or AV graft—is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein. It is used to provide easy and reliable access to the bloodstream for patients undergoing hemodialysis, which is a treatment for kidney failure.

Types of Dialysis Shunts

1. Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula:

   • Created by directly connecting an artery to a vein, usually in the arm.
   • This causes the vein to become larger and stronger, making repeated needle insertions for dialysis easier.
   • Preferred method because it typically lasts longer and has fewer complications.

2. Arteriovenous (AV) Graft:

   • Uses a synthetic tube to connect an artery to a vein.
   • Used when patient's own veins are not suitable for a fistula.
   • It usually matures faster than a fistula but may have more complications such as clotting or infection.

Purpose

• Allows high blood flow for dialysis to efficiently clean the blood.
• Provides a site that can withstand repeated needle insertions.

Care and Complications

• Regular monitoring for pulse ("thrill") and sound ("bruit") ensures shunt is functional.
• Complications include infection, clotting, stenosis (narrowing), or aneurysm formation.
• Patients are usually taught how to care for and protect the access site.

If you need information about a particular aspect of a dialysis shunt (e.g., surgical procedure, care tips, complications), please let me know!