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Treatment

Pediatric Dialysis Fistula or Graft Intervention

There are two types of permanent vascular access for dialysis: arteriovenous (AV) fistula and arteriovenous (AV) graft. A surgeon creates an AV fistula by connecting an artery directly to a vein, most commonly in the forearm. Alternatively, a surgeon creates an AV graft by connecting an artery to a vein using a synthetic tube or graft. Sometimes the blood flow from an AV fistula or AV graft becomes too low due to a narrowing, a blood clot, or the formation of a collateral (accessory) blood vessel that is diverting blood flow. An interventional radiologist can correct these problems with fistula intervention or graft intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a dialysis fistula or graft interventions performed in children?

Will my child be awake during a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure?

Will my child be in any pain during a dialysis fistula or graft intervention?

How long does a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure in children take?

What risks are associated with a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure in children?

How can I help my child prepare for a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure?

What happens after a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure?

When can my child bathe after a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure?

Are there any activity restrictions after a dialysis fistula or graft intervention procedure in children?

Contact Children's National Hospital immediately if your child experiences any of the following:

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Interventional Radiology at Children's National Hospital

Our pediatric interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

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    Departments that Offer Dialysis Fistula or Graft Intervention

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    Interventional Radiology

    Children's National interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children, and adolescents.