Today is day 12 after my 2 hours long operation (local anesthesia) to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) near my left wrists (see photo below). The about 3 ½ cm long incision healed well. Now I can start doing some hand exercises to help mature the vein that is supposed to serve as my new long-term access point for hemodialysis. If everything works well, the vein should at least double in size in the following 6-8 weeks.
AVFs are considered the gold standard for hemodialysis treatment and according to the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), the AV fistula is considered the best option because it:
· provides highest blood flow for dialysis
· is less likely to become infected or clot
· lasts longer
Three are two other types of vascular access for hemodialysis:
· an AV graft (made by using a soft tube to join an artery and vein in your arm)
· a catheter (a soft tube that is placed in a large vein, usually in your neck; usually a temporary access)
In case of an AVF, the surgeon creates an un-physiological connection between a vein and an artery to increase the blood flow in the vein and make it thus grow wider and thicker. Only then the vein will not collapse under the blood flow rate required for hemodialysis.
I really hope my AVF is going to work, to get rid of the neck catheter. Time will tell…
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