Preparing for Hemodialysis: Vascular Access
To do any type of hemodialysis, you need a way to get connected to the hemodialysis machine. This is done by using some form of vascular access:
Fistula
Fistula - for this “gold standard”, a surgeon links an artery and vein, most often in your arm. A fistula is all your own tissue, and is under your skin. This makes it far less likely to get blood clots or infection than any other access. A well cared for fistula can last for years—even decades. The best chance for a long fistula life is if you (or a partner) are the only ones who put needles in it.