VASCULAR ACCESS. Arterio-venous fistula. Central venous catheter. Arterio-venous graft

Transcription

1 VASCULAR ACCESS 1 Vascular access is the route into your bloodstream that allows you to be connected to the dialysis machine which removes and returns your blood after it has been cleaned. There are three types of vascular access: Arterio-venous fistula (AVF) Arterio-venous graft (AVG) Central venous catheter AVF & AVG are created by having a minor operation QUESTION: How long after surgery can you begin to use an AV fistula? Central venous catheter Arterio-venous fistula Arterio-venous graft

2 ANSWER: Around 6 weeks. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

3 VASCULAR ACCESS 2 Good, effective dialysis relies on good vascular access. Good vascular access is one of the most important factors that affects the outcome of patients on dialysis. QUESTION: Who is responsible for ensuring that your access is clean and healthy?

4 ANSWER: We all are, including you! You should also ensure that any healthcare professional treats your access as if it were their own. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

5 VASCULAR ACCESS 3 Only a few sites on your body are suitable for an AVF or AVG form of vascular access. It is therefore important to care for your access to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. QUESTION: Where is an AVF or AVG usually located?

6 ANSWER: AVF or AVG is usually located in the wrist or elbow and AVG can also be placed in the thigh. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

7 VASCULAR ACCESS 4 It is essential that you take good care of your own vascular access. For the care of an AV fistula or a graft: Avoid wearing clothes with tight-fitting sleeves Avoid wearing watches or jewellery on your access arm Do not carry heavy bags with your access arm Do not sleep on your access arm Never take blood samples and never inject into your access arm unless it is with a fistula needle when you are having a dialysis session Do not have blood pressure readings taken on the arm with your functioning dialysis access QUESTION: What is the preferred type of vascular access?

8 ANSWER: AV fistula. Patients with a good functioning AV fistula have fewer hospital admissions, fewer complications and infections and better quality dialysis compared to those with temporary vascular access. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

9 VASCULAR ACCESS 5 Care of a dialysis catheter: Keep it clean and ensure anyone using your dialysis catheter wears sterile gloves and cleans your catheter every time Check for any redness, tenderness or swelling every time you dialyse Ensure you have a clean dressing applied every dialysis and replace it if it gets soiled or wet Always keep your dialysis catheter clamped in between dialysis sessions

10 Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

11 VASCULAR ACCESS 6 If you have had a fistula created in your arm, some simple exercises can help to encourage it to heal more quickly. You should make sure you carry out any exercises you are instructed to do. QUESTION: How does exercise help?

12 ANSWER: By increasing blood flow to the fistula, helping it to develop and work better and heal more quickly. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

13 VASCULAR ACCESS 7 It is essential to make sure that your vascular access is clean. Your access should be cleaned thoroughly before use, and anyone who will be handling your access should wash their hands and put on sterile gloves first. QUESTION: What should fistulas, grafts and dialysis catheters be cleaned with before use?

14 ANSWER: An antibacterial solution as directed by your dialysis staff. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

15 VASCULAR ACCESS 8 You should make sure you check your vascular access for signs of infection or damage every day. These include: Redness Swelling Pain Numbness Warmth Fever Pus or open sores Ballooning of the AV fistula or graft QUESTION: What might happen if bacteria are transferred into your circulation via a fistula needle or via a dialysis catheter?

16 ANSWER: You may get blood poisoning. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

17 VASCULAR ACCESS 9 It is important to check your AV fistula or graft for signs of blockage every day. You can listen to the sound of the blood flow through it (the bruit ) using a stethoscope and feel for the vibration using your fingers. QUESTION: What is the name given to the vibration in your AV fistula?

18 ANSWER: The thrill. The sound of the access may be referred to as the bruit or the whoosh. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

19 VASCULAR ACCESS 10 It is essential that you report any changes you see or feel in your access to your doctor or nurse immediately. Make sure you know who to contact. QUESTION: What will happen if I don t check my access every day?

20 ANSWER: If you miss early signs of damage in your access, the problem may worsen, ultimately making your access no longer usable. If you have an infection that is left untreated, the bacteria may get transferred to your bloodstream, which can lead to blood poisoning. Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline:

21 VASCULAR ACCESS 11 Discuss any concerns about your vascular access with your doctor or nurse. Make sure all staff treat your access as if it was their own. QUESTION: Is it acceptable to remind staff to wash their hands and clean my access before beginning dialysis?

22 ANSWER: Yes! Supported by the NKF. Supported by ANSA. Helpline: Helpline: