
The placement of an endovascular stent into the fistula in order to keep it open has been shown to increase patients’ quality of life, allow them to return to their jobs and activities of daily living, and decrease their likelihood of having other complications such as bleeding or infections. If you are an Albuquerque dialysis patient with a dialysis fistula and are currently on the waiting list for stent placement, know that there are many reasons why you need one immediately. Here’s what you need to know about stents and how they can help.
What is a drainage catheter?
A drainage catheter is a small, flexible tube (usually made from a synthetic material like silicone) that doctors place in a person’s body. A drainage catheter helps drain fluid from the body. It is commonly used to drain urine from people who have kidney problems or heart failure, as well as other conditions. There are several types of drainage catheters and different ways to use them depending on where fluid needs to be drained. Each type has specific uses and requires various lengths. Stent placement Albuquerque
Why does it need placement?
Often, an Albuquerque hemodialysis fistula (an artificial vascular connection) will form inside a vein in a patient’s arm. This can happen anywhere between two weeks and six months after surgery. The flow through these fistulas must be maintained above a certain level to allow adequate hemodialysis. Dr. John Smith from the University of New Mexico Hospital explains why that’s so important. A stent can keep your fistula open at all times.
Who can do it? Stent placement Albuquerque
The best candidate for a dialysis fistula is an individual with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in his or her prime. The fistula provides an alternative route to blood flow, helping to avoid long-term damage due to frequent needle sticks and catheter insertions into veins. Unlike central lines, dialysis fistulas do not require dressing changes and tend to last longer because they aren’t accessed as frequently. Fistulas also help people avoid going on hemodialysis in their homes.
What are the risks and complications?
If a fistula isn’t functioning properly, it could become blocked and cause blood clots to form, which are serious and can lead to death. Using too much water pressure during dialysis can also cause blood clots. It’s important to keep your doctor informed if you notice symptoms like swelling or pain in your arm, face, or mouth.
Post Procedure Care and Flow Rate Monitoring
After undergoing stent placement, patients with a fistula will be monitored by their nephrologist to ensure the proper functioning of their fistula and its flow rate. The nephrologist will make recommendations on post-procedure care to assist patients in maintaining optimal health. For example, if medications were injected during stent placement, follow-up appointments should be scheduled as recommended by your provider. These follow-ups should include blood tests and other monitoring techniques as necessary.