Frequently Asked Questions
I recently had a balloon angioplasty for my dialysis access, but it has become blocked again.
The degree and speed of vascular blockage in dialysis access can vary depending on each patient’s individual vascular characteristics. However, over time, progressive stenosis (narrowing) is inevitable. In some patients, the access may frequently occlude shortly after arteriovenous fistula surgery but later remain open for longer periods. Conversely, a vessel that had been well maintained for a long time after one procedure may gradually narrow more quickly due to the high blood flow pressure exerted during repeated dialysis. In addition, as time passes, the vessel wall may become thicker and fibrotic, leading to more frequent stenosis. Therefore, regular ultrasound examinations, early diagnosis, and timely interventions are essential for maintaining vascular access stability.
What is vascular access management?
Vascular access management refers to regularly checking the blood vessels used for dialysis and performing examinations when any abnormalities are found, in order to prevent the need for major surgery. We recommend visiting Morning Garden for regular ultrasound examinations of your vessels. Ultrasound is harmless to the human body and has the advantage of being low-cost. The interval for regular check-ups is determined individually, depending on each patient’s vascular characteristics.
During dialysis, what if the access suddenly gets blocked? Can treatment be done immediately?
For dialysis patients, a blocked vascular access is a critical emergency. Please contact Morning Garden immediately and visit us — we will promptly coordinate with your dialysis center to perform the procedure quickly, so that you can resume dialysis without delay.
I have bruising and swelling at the vascular access site after the procedure.
During the procedure, minor vascular damage is inevitable. If a hematoma occurs due to vessel injury, antibiotic treatment may sometimes be required. The discoloration of the skin, similar to a bruise, may take about 1–2 months to fully resolve. If you feel that something is abnormal, please visit us promptly for a detailed examination.
