Pediatric vascular access for hemodialysis
What is pediatric vascular access for hemodialysis?
Vascular access is a way to reach the blood vessels for hemodialysis. Your child’s vascular access is their dialysis lifeline.
There are three types:
Fistula - an artery and vein sewn together
Blood from the artery makes the vein thicker so it can be used for dialysis. A fistula is often the longest-lasting access. A fistula is most often placed in an arm or leg
Graft - a piece of man-made blood vessel
A graft is used to connect an artery and a vein together. A graft can be placed in an arm or leg
Catheter - a plastic tube placed into a large vein.
A catheter is most often placed in the neck, but it may also be in the chest or groin. Catheters may be used for a short time while waiting to get a fistula or graft or waiting for a fistula or graft to heal.
There are only a few sites for vascular access. It is important to care for your child’s access so it will last as long as possible.
Contact us
Monday - Saturday6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.214-456-2980 or214-456-2517Fax: 214-456-8042
After hours214-456-7000Ask for the hemodialysis doctor or nurse on call
Pediatric vascular access for hemodialysis doctors and providers
Mouin Seikaly, MDPediatric Nephrologist