Hemodialysis access: Types

Abstract

Dialysis vascular access is an important “bridge†that connects the patient to the hemodialysis machine. It is often considered the “Achilles Heel†of hemodialysis due to the potential complications that may arise. Broadly, dialysis can be performed via an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous graft (AVG) or a catheter (Tunneled or non-tunneled). The advantages and disadvantages of the different types of vascular access are described in this chapter.