You can be attached to the dialysis machine in several ways. The most common permanent access is an internal AV-Fistula in your arm. This is also termed as a Lifeline and it helps the patients’ blood to travel to and from the hemo dialysis machine. In advanced stage your Nephrologist will advise you to get an AV-Fistula made. This involves having an artery and vein connected surgically under local anesthesia. When they are joined the stronger blood flow from the artery causes the vein to become larger over a period of 6weeks to 4 months. Needles can be inserted in the enlarged vein to connect you to the dialysis machine. Another way to provide access to the blood stream is to make an internal graft. In this procedure an artery is connected to a vein with a short piece of special tubing placed under the skin. Needles can then be inserted into the graft.

Having an AV-Fistula in place well before beginning hemodialysis will give it time to mature so that it is ready to use. As compared to other access AV Fistulas give greater blood flow and are at a low risk for infection and clots. A temporary hemodialysis catheter is always an emergency or last resort for a patient requiring dialysis.