Peripheral Aneurysm

Dialysis access intervention is an x-ray test to look inside your dialysis access, whether it is a fistula or a graft. It is used to find imperfections or narrowing in the access or the blood vessels leaving the access. Depending on the findings, the procedure may proceed to angioplasty, stent placement, or thrombolytic therapy.

A dialysis fistulogram involves the placement of one or more plastic tube(s) (catheters) into your dialysis graft/fistula. Some numbing medicine will be injected into the skin over the graft/fistula before inserting the catheter. You may also be given intravenous medications to make you more comfortable and relaxed.

What to expect

  • Do not eat or drink after midnight

    Do not take herbs before surgery

    You will need a driver when you are discharged from the hospital

    Current Medications

    You are responsible for informing the doctor and the nurse of all medications you are taking. Certain medications may need to be held 1-3 days prior to the procedure. The office will let you know at the time of scheduling the procedure.

    You might need to stop taking blood thinning products before surgery. Please call the office if this has not been addressed during surgery arrangements. See the following examples:

    • Pradaxa

    • Eliquis (Apixaban)

    • Coumadin (Warfarin)

    • Xarelto (Rivoroxaban)

    Continue taking the following medications:

    • Aspirin

    • Plavix (Clopidrogel)

    • Effient (Prasugrel)

    • Aggrenox

    • Ticlid (Ticlopidine)

    Please notify us if you are Diabetic, as certain diabetic medications must be stopped 48 hours before surgery. If you are on any of the following diabetic medications, including insulin, please check with the prescribing physician to see if another medication is needed during the 24-hour period.

    • Metformin (Glucophage)

    • Avandamet

    • Fortamet

    • Glucovance

    • Metaglip

    • Actoplus

    • Glyburide

    *You may take heart and blood pressure medicine in the morning with a small sip of water

    *CONTINUE ALL OTHER MEDICATIONS IF NOT INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE

  • No smoking or chewing tobacco

    Lifting: Do not lift with the affected arm for 24 hours; Do not lift objects weighing more than 3 to 5 pounds with the affected wrist for 1 week.

    Driving: Do not drive a car or operate machinery or power tools for 24 hours.

    Wound / Skin Care:

    Leave the dressing on for 24 hours

    Avoid lotions, ointments, or powders at the wound site for one (1) week. No Neosporin.

    Watch for bleeding, bruising, swelling, or pain at the site. If actively bleeding, pain or progressive swelling develops at the site, apply direct pressure over the site and notify your physician immediately.

    If your affected hand becomes bluish and cold to the touch, notify your physician immediately.

    Watch for signs of infection at the incision site or physical symptoms such as:

    • Redness

    • Swelling

    • Hot areas

    • Temperature above 101˚ F

    • Chills

    • Drainage

    • Hardened areas

    Report any of the above to your doctor immediately.

    Have the stitch removed on dialysis day after the procedure.

Additional Information