Vascular Access Support
Protecting Your Lifeline For Treatment
Your vascular access is your lifeline for hemodialysis, and at Renal Management, we take that seriously. From your very first visit, we make sure you understand your access options, receive timely referrals for placement, and have a team that’s committed to keeping your access healthy and functioning for the long haul.
Whether you’re new to dialysis or transferring care, our team will walk with you—educating, advocating, and coordinating care every step of the way.
What Is Vascular Access?
Vascular access is the method used to reach your bloodstream during hemodialysis. It allows your blood to safely flow to the dialysis machine, get cleaned, and return to your body. The quality and condition of your access directly impacts how effective your dialysis treatments are.
There are three main types of vascular access:
1. Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula
A surgical connection made between an artery and a vein in your arm.
Most preferred option
- Longest lasting
- Lower infection risk
2. Arteriovenous (AV) Graft
- A synthetic tube connects the artery and vein.
- Used when veins aren’t suitable for a fistula
- Heals faster than a fistula but may require more maintenance
3. Central Venous Catheter (CVC)
- A flexible tube inserted into a large vein in your neck or chest.
- Often used for short-term or emergency dialysis
- Higher infection risk and should be temporary
When Should Access Be Placed?
Ideally, access should be placed before you need dialysis, especially in cases of chronic kidney disease. Early planning gives your body time to heal and helps you avoid emergency catheter use. If you’re starting dialysis urgently with a catheter, our goal is to transition you to a permanent access as soon as possible.
At Renal Management, we help coordinate this process early—so you’re not navigating it alone.
Our Role in Your Vascular Access Care
Our team supports you through every stage of vascular access care:
Scheduling & Coordination
We work directly with local vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to:
- Schedule your access placement procedure
- Ensure pre-op testing and labs are complete
- Help with insurance approvals
- Coordinate post-op care and follow-ups
- You don’t have to make the calls—we’ll help take care of the details.
Education & Preparation
We teach you what to expect before surgery, how to care for your access, and how to spot signs of complications. You’ll receive clear, step-by-step instructions and hands-on support.
Ongoing Monitoring
During every dialysis treatment, our nurses check your access for:
- Bruising or swelling
- Unusual sounds (bruits/thrills)
- Infection signs
- Blood flow issues
We also perform regular access flow studies and coordinate follow-up imaging or interventions when needed.
Protecting Your Access: Patient Tips
You are the most important partner in protecting your access. We’ll show you how to:
- Keep the site clean and dry
- Avoid pressure or tight clothing near the site
- Check your access daily for the vibration (thrill)
- Report any changes in color, pain, or swelling
- Avoid blood pressure checks or blood draws from the access arm
If you’re not sure something is normal—call us. We’d rather you be safe than sorry.
Access Maintenance and Interventions
Over time, even well-functioning access can experience issues like narrowing (stenosis), clotting, or reduced blood flow. We partner with local access centers for:
- Fistulograms
- Angioplasty
- Thrombectomy (clot removal)
- Access revisions
- Catheter removals or replacements
Early action prevents missed treatments and hospital visits—and we act quickly when something’s not right.
Already Have an Access? We Can Still Help
- Whether your access was placed somewhere else or you’re transferring from another facility, we will:
- Evaluate your current access
- Identify any problems or inefficiencies
- Coordinate repairs or a switch to a better option if needed
Why Vascular Access Care Matters
A strong, reliable access means:
- More effective dialysis
- Shorter treatment times
- Lower infection risk
- Fewer hospitalizations
- Better quality of life
We treat your access with the same urgency and respect as the rest of your care—because it’s not just a tube or a site. It’s your lifeline.