Dialysis access is essential for life-sustaining hemodialysis. When problems occur—such as stenosis, thrombosis, or catheter malfunction—they must be diagnosed and treated quickly to maintain reliable treatment. At Orbis Vascular, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures to restore blood flow, protect your access, and keep dialysis running safely and smoothly.
Stenosis occurs when scar tissue, vessel thickening, or previous needle use causes the fistula or graft to narrow. This reduces blood flow and increases pressure during dialysis.
Untreated stenosis is the #1 cause of dialysis access thrombosis (clotting). Early diagnosis and angioplasty can reopen the narrowed segment and prevent complete access failure.
Angioplasty, stent placement, and specialized balloon treatments can restore optimal flow and protect long-term function of the fistula or graft.
Thrombosis occurs when a clot forms inside the access, completely blocking blood flow. This stops dialysis immediately and requires same-day treatment.
Without quick intervention, the clot can permanently damage the access. Most thrombosed fistulas and grafts can be successfully opened with urgent thrombectomy.
Options include catheter-directed clot removal, mechanical thrombectomy, clot-dissolving medication, and angioplasty to correct the underlying stenosis that caused the clot.
Access failure occurs when a fistula or graft can no longer provide adequate blood flow for dialysis. This can happen gradually (stenosis) or suddenly (thrombosis).
Early intervention can often save the access. Without treatment, patients may require a temporary catheter, which carries higher infection risk.
Angioplasty, revision procedures, thrombectomy, or new access creation may be recommended depending on severity.
Catheter malfunction occurs when one or both ports of the hemodialysis catheter fail to draw or return blood adequately. This can interrupt or severely slow dialysis.
Evaluation may include catheter exchange, fibrin sheath removal, thrombolytic medication, or repositioning using imaging guidance to restore proper function.
If your fistula, graft, or catheter is not functioning properly, rapid evaluation can prevent loss of access and keep dialysis safe and effective.