Small tubing used to connect an artery and a vein
Dialysis uses an external machine to clean and filter your blood when you have significant kidney disease. The dialysis machine is connected to your blood vessels using an access such as a fistula or graft.
A graft is created by connecting a vein to an artery using tubing. Grafts are not used as often for dialysis access as fistula because they don’t last as long and tend to have higher rates of infection. But they may be a good choice if your own blood vessels aren’t strong enough to create a fistula access.
The surgeons in our Vascular and Endovascular Program work with kidney specialists to determine the most effective type of dialysis access for your unique situation.
What to expect
Your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink before your procedure. Ask if you should stop taking any medications before your surgery. You will receive a local anesthetic. You may receive a sedative to relax you, but you likely will remain awake during the procedure.
Your doctor will make a small incision in your arm. The graft will be placed to connect an artery and vein. The incision will then be closed and covered with a bandage. You will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored for several hours.
You will likely be able to return home after the procedure, but you will need someone to drive you. You will need to monitor for infection and keep the area clean. The graft can be used for dialysis two to six weeks after placement. Some grafts can be used immediately.
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 providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Michael Alan Abramson, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology & Interventional Radiology
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Suzanne M Benn, FNPBC, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Donna Carol Buckley, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology
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John Thomas Cardella, MD
Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Kristin Crawley, ACNP-BC, BSN, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Yelena Game, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Erin M. Hanlon, MPAS, PA
Vascular Surgery
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John Harvey, MBCHB, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Keith Marshall Horton, MD
Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology & Vascular Interventional Radiology
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Lucy B Kupersmith, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Wendy S. Lobo, AGACNP-BC, DNP, MBA, MSN
Vascular Surgery
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Mark O'Brien Peeler, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Lauren M. Storey, NP
Vascular Surgery
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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 Harbor Hospital
3001 South Hanover Street Suite 216 Baltimore, MD 21225
410-261-8226
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 Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Road Clinton, MD 20735
301-877-5637
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
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.