TREATMENT

Dialysis Access Declotting

VASCULAR & DIALYSIS ACCESS PROCEDURE

Dialysis access declotting is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove clot from an AV fistula or graft and help restore blood flow. For patients on hemodialysis, timely declotting may help preserve access and avoid missed treatments.
  • Clears access clots
  • Restores access flow
  • Treats fistulas or grafts
  • Often image-guided
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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: Dialysis access declotting removes clot from an AV fistula or graft when blood flow is blocked or dialysis access stops working.

The procedure may include clot removal, angioplasty, and treatment of an underlying narrowing that caused the access to clot. The goal is to restore usable flow when the access can be safely preserved.

WHAT IS DIALYSIS ACCESS DECLOTTING?

Dialysis access declotting is a procedure used to clear clot from an AV fistula or AV graft used for hemodialysis. When access clots, blood may no longer flow well enough for dialysis treatment.

The procedure is usually performed with imaging guidance. A catheter-based approach may be used to remove or break up clot, restore flow, and treat a narrowed area that contributed to the blockage.

Not every clotted access can be reopened. Some patients may need surgical revision, new access creation, or temporary catheter access depending on the access condition, clot burden, and overall treatment needs.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Clotted fistula or graft
  • Missed dialysis risk
  • Poor access flow
  • Underlying narrowing
  • Access may be salvageable
A full evaluation helps determine whether declotting is appropriate based on access type, clot extent, narrowing, dialysis needs, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

Dialysis access declotting may be considered when a fistula or graft has clotted and restoring access flow may be possible.

Clotted AV Fistula

A fistula can clot and stop providing enough blood flow for dialysis treatment.

Clotted AV Graft

A graft can develop clotting that blocks flow and prevents reliable dialysis access.

Access Narrowing

Narrowing can slow flow and may need treatment to reduce the chance of repeat clotting.

Access Dysfunction

Poor flow, high pressures, or difficult dialysis may signal access problems.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Restores access flow
  • May preserve access
  • Treats clot burden
  • May avoid catheter use
  • Supports dialysis care
Benefits depend on access type, clot extent, vessel narrowing, timing, and dialysis needs.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

Dialysis access declotting is usually performed with imaging guidance. The procedure may remove clot, open narrowed areas, and confirm whether blood flow has returned through the access.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Access exam is performed
  • Dialysis history is reviewed
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • Access is imaged
  • Clot is removed
  • Narrowing is treated

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Flow is monitored
  • Dialysis team is updated
  • Follow-up may be needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Re-clotting is possible
  • New access may be needed

Related Treatments / Alternatives

Depending on access type, clot burden, and vessel narrowing, dialysis access declotting may be combined with other access maintenance procedures.

Dialysis Access Interventions

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

Angioplasty

A balloon-based treatment that may open narrowed areas within a dialysis access circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dialysis access declotting is a procedure used to remove clot from an AV fistula or graft and help restore blood flow for hemodialysis.
Access clotting is often related to narrowing, low flow, vessel changes, or access dysfunction. Imaging can help identify the cause.
No. Some accesses can be reopened, while others may require surgical revision, new access creation, or temporary catheter access.
Often, a narrowed area must be treated after clot removal to improve flow and reduce the chance of the access clotting again.
Yes. Dialysis access can clot again over time, especially if narrowing or low flow returns. Monitoring and follow-up are important.
A clotted dialysis access should be evaluated promptly because delays may affect whether the access can be restored and whether dialysis can continue on schedule.

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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