Dialysis Fistulas Surgery | MedStar Health

Connecting an artery to a vein to create good blood flow for dialysis treatments

Dialysis cleans and filters your blood in a machine that is connected to your blood vessels with two tubes. One method used to help your blood to flow freely through the tubes is to create a fistula.

A fistula is created by surgically attaching a vein to an artery, which allows the vein to enlarge and become thicker, like an artery. This type of access is known to have fewer complications and last longer than catheters or grafts.

Our Vascular and Endovascular Program allows surgeons to work with kidney specialists to determine the best dialysis access for your unique and complex conditions. Our doctors work at multiple locations, meaning you can get treatment close to home.

Procedure

You may be asked to not eat or drink before the surgery. If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor if you should take them the day of your procedure. You will receive a sedative and a local anesthetic, but you likely will not require general anesthesia.

Your doctor will make a small incision in your arm and connect a portion of your artery to a vein. The incision will be closed and covered with a bandage. You will be taken to a recovery area and monitored for several hours.

You will likely be able to return home the day of the procedure, but someone will need to drive you. The fistula may take several weeks to fully enlarge, and your doctor may recommend special exercises to increase blood flow.

Tests

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21237

443-777-1901

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center
Building 4
Washington, DC 20007

877-367-2434

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 5200
Olney, MD 20832

410-657-1947

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Road
Ste 200
Leonardtown, MD 20650

240-434-4022

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building

3300 North Calvert Street
First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building

106 Irving Street NW
Physician Office Bldg.
Suite 3150 North Tower
Washington, DC 20010

202-877-0456

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Harbor Hospital

3001 South Hanover Street
Suite 216
Baltimore, MD 21225

410-261-8226

Insurance

MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.