What are the complications related to arteriovenous fistula?

What are the complications related to arteriovenous fistula?

An AVF is closest to the ideal model of vascular access. The most important complications of fistulae for HD are lymphedema, infection, aneurysm, stenosis, congestive heart failure, steal syndrome, ischemic neuropathy and thrombosis.

How long does a AV fistula take to heal?

Depending on the person, it can take several weeks to several months for an AV fistula to heal and mature. In the United States, the time from AV fistula creation until first use averages 133 days, or approximately 4 months.

How do you treat AV fistula after surgery?

The Do’s

1. Reduce risk of infection by washing hands with soap and water both before and after touching AV fistula.
2. Keep skin around fistula clean by washing it with antibacterial soap often, especially before dialysis.
3. After incision has healed, strengthen your arm by exercising it, as per by your doctor’s instructions.

How do you know if AV fistula is working?

You need to look, listen and feel for signs that your AV fistula is functioning properly. Look – Look at your access to check for signs of infection – swelling, redness, warmth and drainage are all signs to watch for. Also note if there are any changes to the skin, such as bleeding, bulging or peeling.

Why is my AV fistula hurting?

The abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel is called stenosis. Stenosis slows and reduces blood flow through your AV fistula, causing problems with the quality of your dialysis treatment, prolonged bleeding after puncture, or pain in the fistula. Stenosis can also lead to a blocked or clotted access.

How can I strengthen my AV fistula?

Fistula exercises

1. Hold a soft ball or rolled wash cloth in the hand that is the same side as the fistula.
2. Let your arm hang down beside your body.
3. Squeeze the ball or wash cloth gently and then relax.
4. Repeat the squeezing and relaxing for 5 minutes.
5. Do this exercise 3 to 4 times each day.

Can an AV graft be removed?

Two patients (5.6%) experienced postoperative complications-a hematoma requiring evacuation and a superficial wound infection requiring oral antibiotics. Conclusions: Removal of symptomatic, unused AVFs can be performed safely in renal transplant recipients.

How do you maintain AV fistula?

Take these steps to keep your AV fistula or graft working well: keep your vascular access clean at all times….Avoid putting pressure on your access area by:

1. Not sleeping or resting on your access area.
2. Not carrying bags or heavy objects across your access area.
3. Not wearing tight clothes or jewelry around your access area.

What causes AV fistula to fail?

What Can Cause an AV Fistula to Fail? An AV fistula can fail when there is a narrowing, also called stenosis, in one of the vessels associated with the fistula. When a narrowing occurs, the volume and rate of blood flow can decrease, and you may be unable to dialyze adequately.