TREATMENT

AV Graft Placement

VASCULAR & DIALYSIS ACCESS PROCEDURE

AV graft placement is a dialysis access procedure that uses a soft synthetic tube to connect an artery and vein. For patients whose veins are not suitable for a fistula, a graft may provide another option for hemodialysis access.
  • Creates dialysis access
  • Uses a synthetic graft
  • Connects artery and vein
  • 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 graft placement creates hemodialysis access by placing a soft tube between an artery and vein, usually in the arm.

A graft may be considered when a patient’s own veins are not suitable for AV fistula creation or when dialysis access timing and vessel anatomy make a graft more appropriate.

WHAT IS AV GRAFT PLACEMENT?

AV graft placement is a surgical procedure used to create vascular access for hemodialysis. A soft synthetic tube is placed under the skin to connect an artery and a vein, creating a pathway where dialysis needles can later be inserted.

An AV graft may be recommended when the patient’s own veins are too small, weak, or unsuitable for a fistula. Like a fistula, a graft usually needs time to heal before it can be used for dialysis.

Grafts can be effective dialysis access options, but they may be more prone to narrowing, clotting, or infection than a well-functioning fistula. Follow-up and access monitoring are important.

Who May Be a Good Candidate

  • Needs dialysis access
  • Veins not suitable
  • Prior fistula failure
  • Access planning needed
  • Long-term dialysis goal
A full evaluation helps determine whether AV graft placement is appropriate based on vein mapping, artery quality, dialysis timeline, prior access history, and overall health.

Conditions Treated

AV graft placement may be considered for patients who need hemodialysis access but are not ideal candidates for an AV fistula.

End-Stage Kidney Disease

Patients who need long-term hemodialysis require reliable access to move blood during treatment.

Unsuitable Veins

Small or weak veins may not mature well enough for fistula creation.

Prior Access Failure

Previous access problems may require a new graft or another dialysis access plan.

Dialysis Access Planning

Access planning helps match the procedure to vessel anatomy and dialysis timing.

Benefits of Treatment

  • Creates usable access
  • Bypasses poor veins
  • Supports dialysis care
  • May reduce catheter need
  • Offers access option
Benefits depend on vessel anatomy, graft healing, dialysis timing, access care, and follow-up monitoring.

How the Procedure Works / What to Expect

AV graft placement is planned using vessel evaluation and dialysis access needs. A synthetic graft is placed under the skin to connect an artery and vein.

Preparation Before Treatment

  • Vein mapping is reviewed
  • Access site is planned
  • Medications are reviewed

During the Procedure

  • An incision is made
  • Graft is positioned
  • Blood flow is checked

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Arm is monitored
  • Graft must heal
  • Follow-up checks are needed

Risks / Considerations

  • Bleeding can occur
  • Clotting is possible
  • Infection can occur

Related Treatments / Alternatives

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

AV Fistula Creation

A dialysis access procedure that connects an artery and vein using the patient’s own vessels.

Dialysis Access Interventions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

An AV graft is a dialysis access created by placing a soft synthetic tube between an artery and vein, usually under the skin of the arm.
A graft may be used when a patient's veins are too small, weak, or unsuitable for AV fistula creation.
A graft usually needs time to heal before dialysis needle access. Timing varies by graft type, healing, and the care plan.
Yes. Grafts can develop narrowing or clotting over time and may need access interventions to restore or maintain flow.
A graft can provide ongoing dialysis access, but it requires monitoring and may need maintenance, revision, or replacement over time.
The best access depends on vein mapping, artery quality, dialysis timing, 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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