Arteriovenous Fistula Creation For Hemodialysis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a surgical connection of an artery to a vein. This is a common procedure if you need hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure. It uses a machine that works like your kidneys to clean waste from your blood. The fistula is usually done on your nondominant arm. If you are right-handed, the AVF will be created on your left arm. The AVF is the bridge for blood to go into the hemodialysis machine. Blood will go out from and come back to the AVF after being cleaned by the hemodialysis machine.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider:

Ask your primary healthcare provider when you need to return to have your AVF checked. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Care for your AVF:

Your incision will be closed with either stitches or thin strips of tape. Ask when you can bathe. If you have stitches, carefully wash your stitches with soap and water. Pat them dry with clean towel. If your incision was closed with thin strips of tape, keep it clean and dry. As the strips of tape start to peel off, let them fall off by themselves. Do not pull them off.

• You may remove the bandage that covers your AVF 4 to 6 hours after dialysis.
  
  
• Check your AVF every day for good blood flow by touching it with your fingertips. The buzzing sensation means that it is working.
  
  
• Check for bleeding, pain, redness, or swelling. These may be signs of infection or a clogged AVF.
  
  
• To prevent damage to the AVF, no one should take your blood pressure or draw blood from the arm with the AVF. Do not wear tight clothes or jewelry. Do not sleep on that arm.

For more information:

• National Kidney Foundation
  30 East 33rd Street
  New York , NY 10016
  Phone: 1- 212 - 889-2210
  Phone: 1- 800 - 622-9010
  Web Address: http://www.kidney.org
  

• American Association of Kidney Patients
  3505 E. Frontage Rd, Suite 315
  Tampa , FL 33607-1796
  Phone: 1- 800 - 749-2257
  Web Address: http://aakp.org
  

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your AVF site has blood, pus, or a foul-smelling odor.
  
  
• You have more pain in the area where the AVF was made.
  
  
• You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.