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Phone: 775-323-3000 | Fax: 775-323-3001
689 Sierra Rose Dr, Unit B | Reno, NV 89511

Dialysis Access

Dialysis Access

End-Stage Renal Disease and Dialysis

When kidney disease progresses to the point that a patient needs dialysis, a fistula is required. At NVV, our surgeons and staff are in daily contact with nephrologists and dialysis centers all around Northern Nevada to assist with their patients. Our surgeons perform hundreds of fistulas each year and provide ancillary services to diagnose and treat the routine problems which dialysis patients frequently face.

If you or a family member has either has chronic kidney disease and are in need of a fistula, or if you already have a fistula, you have a choice in where and how your access is created and managed. Request that your care be managed at NVV by calling us, or by speaking with your nephrologist and/or dialysis center.

What is an Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF)?

The term, “fistula” simply refers to a connection between an artery and a vein. Dialysis machines take over the job of the kidneys by filtering the blood of toxins, but to be able to do this, they require both a connection with the patient and a high-volume of blood flow.

Arteries have high blood pressure and veins have low pressure. When the two are connected, the vein then sees this higher pressure and flow. Over time, it will dilate to support the increased volume. Dialysis centers insert needles into the fistula which then pull blood into the dialysis machine.

For patients with end-stage renal disease, a fistula is a lifeline. Fistula creation requires care and forethought, but the work does not stop after the initial surgery. Routine surveillance with ultrasound exams (insert link to NIV dialysis ultrasound section) identifies potential problems. If a narrowing or blockage is suspected, a fistulogram (insert link to OIS fistulogram section). may be needed.

At NVV, we take great pride in being Northern Nevada’s first choice for dialysis care. Our surgeons create and maintain dialysis access, our staff is trained to triage access issues, and we are able to treat many of our dialysis patients in an out-patient setting, helping them avoid a procedure in the hospital or an admission.

Dialysis Options We Offer

  • Arteriovenous Fistula Creation
  • Arteriovenous Graft (AVG) Insertion
  • Permacatheter Insertion
  • Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) Catheter Insertion