The prolonged use of catheters for dialysis is a major cause of infection, poor dialysis, and hospitalization amongst patients. For this reason, it is very important to your health that a permanent dialysis access is created which may be a fistula, graft, or PD catheter. Together with your surgeon, we will recommend which type of access is best for you.

A vein mapping usually consists of two parts. These parts are an ultrasound of your veins and arteries in your arm(s) and venogram (x-ray of your veins taken with dye placed through a small IV catheter). Occasionally, your kidney doctor or surgeon may request only one of the other of these parts be performed.

The purpose of the vein mapping is to help decide which arm and which artery and vein in the arm should be used for a fistula or graft creation. There are many different choices for the location of a fistula or graft and depends on the size, length, and depth of your blood vessels. The chance of a successful procedure is significantly increased with knowing which vessels are most suited for a permanent access creation.

It is very important that you follow up with your surgeon after your vein mapping. Copies of your test results will be given to you at the time of your appointment or sent to your surgeon for review.

If at any time, you have questions about your procedure or dialysis access contact us our Southfield or Rochester access centers directly or contact your kidney specialist.