Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular approach because it presents less risk of infection. It is a surgical connection (anastomosis) of an artery to a vein.
Under higher blood pressure, the vein will dilate. This results in high blood flow in the vein, which will grow, become palpable and visible. A tremor will be perceived on palpation (thrill) and a breath on auscultation.
Before you can prick it, you have to wait one month to allow sufficient dilation of the vein. There is no such thing as zero risk! An AVF can bleed, shrink, swell, become blocked, and sometimes become infected. This is why it is vital to monitor your precious property daily, both at home and in the hospital.
Warning
Check the thrill, in case of doubt on palpation (weaker or absent thrill), pain, redness, or old poorly healed puncture points (redness, thick crusts) you should not do not hesitate to contact the hospital: at the dialysis service and, if applicable if the service is closed, at the nephrology care unit.
Your arm should
be kept meticulously clean. …
