Dialysis shunt surgery
Dialysis shunt surgery
For dialysis patients, the Severely reduced kidney function, which makes regular blood washing necessary. This requires constant access to the blood vessels, the so-called Shunt (= short circuit) - an artificial cross-connection between an artery and a vein - in order to have a large-volume vessel available for simple dialysis access.
Since the artery contains a Higher blood pressure than in the vein the vein expands after shunting and the vein wall thickens. It is now easier to puncture and can therefore be used as a connecting vessel for the dialysis machine.
The lifelinefor renal insufficiency
Dialysis shunts are a very good choice for people with renal insufficiency requiring dialysis is essential for survival. As it usually takes six to eight weeks for the shunt to form and be used for the first time, it is advisable to wait until the shunt is in place. as soon as possible before the first blood wash.
After your kidney specialist (nephrologist) has advised you to undergo dialysis in the near future, the preparations for the shunt installation are made. To do this, I will examine the veins and arteries in your arm using ultrasound and, depending on the quality of the blood vessels, determine the location of the shunt (usually at the wrist or in the crook of the elbow).
The actual shunt operation is then performed under a local anaesthesia. The artery and vein are exposed via a small incision in the skin and connected to each other with a vascular suture. Over the course of the next few weeks, this leads to a widening and thickening of the vein wall so that it can be punctured so that it is clearly visible.
The function of the shunt can and should be monitored with ultrasound in the further course of the procedure in order to recognise and treat impending malfunctions, e.g. due to constrictions, at an early stage.
During the development of the shunt, which will take place over the next few weeks, maturation can be accelerated by a Daily shunt training be improved.
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