MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT
Dialysis Fistula Plasty & Stenting
Dialysis fistula plasty and stenting are minimally invasive, image-guided procedures used to restore or maintain blood flow in dialysis access fistulas and grafts. These interventions help improve access function in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
What Is Dialysis Fistula Plasty & Stenting?
Dialysis fistula plasty, also known as fistuloplasty, is an image-guided procedure in which a balloon is used to widen narrowed segments of a dialysis fistula or graft. In selected cases, a stent may be placed to support the vessel and maintain adequate blood flow.
These procedures are performed without open surgery and are aimed at preserving existing dialysis access whenever possible.
Who May Be Considered for These Procedures?
Dialysis fistula plasty or stenting may be considered in patients with:
- Reduced or absent dialysis access flow
- Difficulty during dialysis sessions
- Swelling of the arm or access site
- Narrowing or blockage detected on imaging
- Recurrent access dysfunction despite prior interventions
Eligibility is determined after clinical assessment and imaging evaluation.
How Dialysis Fistula Plasty & Stenting Are Performe
- The procedure is performed under image guidance
- Local anesthesia is commonly used
- A catheter is guided into the dialysis fistula or graft
- Balloon angioplasty is performed to widen narrowed segments
- A stent may be placed in selected cases to maintain patency
Potential Advantages of Dialysis Access Interventions
- Minimally invasive, image-guided approach
- Avoids surgical revision in selected cases
- Helps restore and maintain dialysis access function
- Can be performed as a day-care procedure in many patients
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients are monitored after the procedure, and dialysis access function is assessed. Follow-up imaging or clinical evaluation may be recommended to ensure continued patency.
Patients are monitored after the procedure, and dialysis access function is assessed. Follow-up imaging or clinical evaluation may be recommended to ensure continued patency.
Risks and Considerations
Like all interventional procedures, dialysis fistula plasty and stenting have potential risks, including:
- Bleeding or bruising at the access site
- Vessel injury or restenosis
- Infection (uncommon)
- Need for repeat intervention over time
Not all patients experience these effects, and risks vary depending on individual factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all patients experience these effects, and risks vary depending on individual factors.
No. It is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed without open surgery.
Is stenting always required for dialysis access problems?
No. It is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed without open surgery.
Will this procedure replace the need for dialysis?
No. These procedures help maintain dialysis access but do not replace the need for dialysis treatment.
Consult for Dialysis Access Evaluation
Clinical examination and imaging studies are essential to determine whether dialysis fistula plasty or stenting is appropriate.