Things You Need to Know About Renal Failure and Dialysis
Dialysis is a process used to treat patients whose kidneys are no longer working properly. It involves a special machine and tubing that removes blood from the body, cleanses it of waste and extra fluid and then returns it back to the body.
To undergo dialysis, a physician first creates access to a patient’s blood vessel using one of three methods:
- a fistula, which is made by joining together an artery and vein to make a bigger high-flow blood vessel.
- a graft, in which a soft plastic tube is placed between an artery and a vein, creating an artificial high-flow blood vessel.
- Catheter access, in which a narrow plastic tube is inserted into a large vein in the neck or groin.
When fistulas and grafts become clogged or narrowed, which can prevent a patient from undergoing successful dialysis, interventional radiologists use image-guided interventions to solve the problem:
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis, which dissolves blood clots that build up in fistulas and grafts by injecting a medicine.
- Angioplasty and stenting, which uses mechanical devices, such as a balloon, to open fistulas and grafts and helps them remain open with a small implantable wire mesh tube called a stent.
Take a look at the common risks, predispositions, and signs/symptoms, then read up on some of the testing and procedures the Pulse Vascular Specialists can perform for you using comfortable,minimally invasive, state-of-the-art equipment and techniques:
Causes
Heart Attack
Infection
Use of some pain relievers (like aspirin and ibuprofen)
Kidney Inflammation
Severe Burns
Dehydration
Anaphylaxis
Risk Factors
Smoking
Aging (most common over the age of 64)
Obesity
Race (more prevalent in Native Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans)
Excess exposure to some toxins
Predispositions
Diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Existing Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Sickle Cell disease
Excess Blood Cholesterol
Lupus and other autoimmune disorders
Disease Symptoms
Confusion
Lethargy
Shortness of breath
Blood in the urine
Anemia
Insomnia
Fatigue
Edema of the arms (swelling)
Prolonged Bleeding
Increase Pressures at Dialysis
Acute or Chronic Thrombosis
Reduced Quality of Dialysis
Difficult Cannulation Central Venous Occlusion (CVO)
Maturation Difficulty
Other services provided:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- IVC filter placement/retrieval
- Kyphoplasty for intractable back pain related to spine fracture
- Full range of interventional radiological procedures available upon request
