Dialysis techniques

How does haemodialysis work?

Vascular approaches

The fistula Arteriovenous fistula (AVF)

An arteriovenous fistula is an artificial connection made surgically between one of your arteries and one of your veins in the forearm or upper arm. In some cases, a prosthesis can be moved between a vein and an artery when there is no usable vein.

After a few months, this connection increases blood flow to the vein, which then becomes larger and easier to puncture. The arteriovenous fistula must be created several weeks or months before use. To use the fistula, the nurse places two needles in it (puncture), one for the blood to be filtered and the other for the return of the filtered blood.

Precautions must be taken to ensure its longevity. The following should be avoided

• Taking blood samples from the fistula or measuring blood pressure on the arm carrying the fistula.
• Wearing bracelets, heavy objects or clothes that act as tourniquets.

To find out more about haemodialysis

• Treatment and care
• Equipment for your haemodialysis