TREATMENT

AV Fistula Creation

VASCULAR & DIALYSIS ACCESS PROCEDURE

AV fistula creation is a surgical procedure that connects an artery to a nearby vein to create durable access for hemodialysis. When suitable, a fistula can provide reliable long-term dialysis access after it has time to mature.
  • Creates dialysis access
  • Connects artery and vein
  • Needs time to mature
  • Supports hemodialysis care
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Evaluation & Next Steps

  • Clear severity assessment and next steps
  • Supportive care and recovery guidance
  • Care across 4 Las Vegas locations
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Quick Summary

Key takeaway: AV fistula creation connects an artery and vein, usually in the arm, to create a strong access site for hemodialysis.

A fistula usually needs time to mature before it can be used. Planning depends on vein mapping, artery quality, dialysis timeline, access history, and overall health.

WHAT IS AV FISTULA CREATION?

AV fistula creation is a procedure that connects an artery directly to a vein, most often in the arm. This connection increases blood flow through the vein so it can become larger and stronger for repeated dialysis needle access.

Because a fistula needs time to mature, access planning often starts weeks to months before dialysis is expected. Preoperative mapping may be used to identify suitable arteries and veins.

Not every patient is a good candidate for a fistula. Some patients may need an AV graft, catheter access, or another dialysis access plan depending on vessel size, prior access history, timing, and overall health.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Needs hemodialysis access
  • Suitable arm veins
  • Adequate artery flow
  • Planning before dialysis
  • Long-term access goal
A full evaluation helps determine whether AV fistula creation is appropriate based on vein mapping, artery quality, dialysis timeline, access history, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

AV fistula creation may be considered for patients who need durable vascular access for current or future hemodialysis.

End-Stage Kidney Disease

Patients who need long-term hemodialysis may require reliable vascular access.

Dialysis Planning

Access planning before dialysis starts can allow time for a fistula to mature.

Poor Catheter Suitability

Catheters may be temporary options but are not ideal for long-term dialysis access.

Access Failure History

Prior access problems may require new planning based on available vessels.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Creates durable access
  • Uses patient vessels
  • Supports long-term dialysis
  • May reduce catheter need
  • Can improve access reliability
Benefits depend on vessel quality, maturation, dialysis needs, access care, and follow-up monitoring.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

AV fistula creation is planned with vessel evaluation and dialysis access needs in mind. The procedure connects an artery and vein so the vein can enlarge and strengthen over time.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Vein mapping is reviewed
  • Arm vessels are assessed
  • Dialysis timing is planned

During the Procedure

  • An incision is made
  • Artery and vein connect
  • Blood flow is checked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Arm is monitored
  • Fistula must mature
  • Follow-up checks are needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Maturation may fail
  • Revision may be needed

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on vessel anatomy, dialysis timing, and access history, patients may need fistula creation, graft placement, or access maintenance.

AV Graft Placement

A dialysis access option that uses a soft tube to connect an artery and vein.

Dialysis Access Interventions

Procedures used to evaluate, maintain, or restore flow in a fistula or graft.

Frequently Asked Questions

An AV fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and vein, usually in the arm, used to provide access for hemodialysis.
A fistula usually needs weeks to months to mature before it is ready for dialysis needle access. Timing varies by patient and vessel response.
When suitable, a fistula can provide durable long-term access and may reduce reliance on dialysis catheters, which are often used as temporary access.
If vessels are not suitable for a fistula, an AV graft or another dialysis access plan may be considered.
Yes. Some fistulas do not mature enough for dialysis use and may need monitoring, intervention, revision, or another access option.
The best access depends on vein mapping, artery quality, dialysis timeline, prior access history, medical conditions, and patient goals.

Locations

LVVIS offers vascular evaluation and treatment planning at multiple Las Vegas locations. Choose the office that is most convenient when scheduling your visit.

LVVIS West Side Consultation Office

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Consultations and vascular evaluations

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LV2 Limb & Vascular Division

8930 W Sunset Rd, Suite 350
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Limb preservation and podiatry partnership care

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LVVIS East Procedure Office

2250 E Flamingo Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Procedures, diagnostics, and circulatory care

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LVVIS West Side Surgical Center

6120 S Fort Apache Rd, Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148

Advanced vascular and interventional procedures

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