What is an AV graft?

One type of access used in hemodialysis is called an arteriovenous graft. It is typically placed on the arm but it can be placed on the leg as well, if needed. An AV graft is the procedure wherein a vein and an artery are connected by means of a synthetic, hollow tube, or the "graft."  The tube has two ends: one attached to an artery and the other to a vein. This connection makes blood flow through the graft and into the low flow, low-pressure vein from the high flow, high-pressure artery.  Thus, the flow of blood through the graft is sufficient to provide enough blood for adequate hemodialysis treatment.

What happens in an arteriovenous graft treatment procedure on the day of surgery?

• Discuss all medications you take with your doctor before you take any on the day of your procedure. Bring your pill bottles or a list of all the medications you take to the hospital.
• Doctors will ensure that none of the drugs taken might negatively interact with the others required for the surgery.
• Doctors can place an intravenous (IV) tube right into your vein. An arm vein is usually used. Through the IV, you'll probably receive medicines as well as fluids.
• An anesthesiologist will likely visit you before surgery. You may receive medication through IV or topical anesthesia applied directly to the area of surgery to help you fall asleep or numb the area.
• It is very important to inform your doctors if you or any members of your family have had complications associated with anesthesia in the past.
• A consent form, which is legal paper, will be signed by you or your family member.

What happens during the procedure of an arteriovenous graft treatment?

• You will be given anesthesia during this procedure to minimize pain. An incision will be made between two blood vessels.
• The device will separate the vein and artery from surrounding tissues and nerves. Clip-on instruments will stop the blood flow in each of these blood vessels.
• Cut into the blood vessels where the graft (plastic tube) will be introduced. It will attach, at one end of the graft, an artery and, at the other end, a vein.
• The graft will be secured onto the blood vessels with stitches. After removing the clip-on instruments, blood flow from the blood vessels will be checked.
• Once the graft has been put against the skin, the epidermis will be stitched back together.

What happens after the surgery?

You will be taken into a room where you can rest until you are fully awake. Doctors will closely monitor you in case of any complications.

Wait until your doctor says you can get out of bed. If they see that you have recovered, they will transfer you to your hospital room.

What are the complications associated with arteriovenous surgery?

If an arteriovenous fistula is not treated, it may develop complications, some of which might be life-threatening. Among them are:

• Heart Failure: Large arteriovenous fistulas increase blood flow, which makes the heart beat harder over time and eventually results in heart failure.
• Blood Clots: Depending on where the fistula is, an arteriovenous fistula in the leg may cause some complications such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
• Leg Pain: An arteriovenous fistula of the leg may cause pain in the legs or might even aggravate already present pain.
• Bleeding: Arteriovenous fistulas may cause bleeding in your gastrointestinal system.

What are the benefits of using an Arteriovenous for hemodialysis?

AVGs can be used by patients with small or weak blood vessels who cannot qualify for fistula creation. They can be used sooner after implantation and are placed faster than fistulas.

How long do AV grafts last??

The lifespan of AVGs in patients also varies greatly. The patency rate for externally supported AV grafts is higher than the rate for non-supported AV grafts. Since AV grafts are made of prosthetic material, clots are more likely to form in these grafts than in an AV fistula. A physician may perform an interventional procedure to erase a clot that has formed.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Arteriovenous (AV) Graft Procedure in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Arteriovenous (AV) Graft Procedure in Lucknow, India. We have a highly experienced team of vascular surgeons who use advanced tools and follow international standard infection control measures. Our hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To seek an expert consultation for Arteriovenous (AV) Graft Procedure in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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