How long does it take for a fistula plug to heal?

This is normal in the days after your surgery. You can put a gauze pad over the opening of the fistula to absorb the drainage, if needed. Most people can go back to work and their normal routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It will probably take several weeks to several months for your fistula to completely heal.

Can a dialysis fistula be removed?

Removal of symptomatic AVFs is a safe and beneficial procedure in patients with a functioning renal transplant. Removal of large asymptomatic fistulas should be considered in patients with a normally functioning renal transplant and other autogenous access options in the event of graft failure.

What is an arteriovenous fistula for dialysis?

Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula for Dialysis. When the artery and vein are joined, blood flow increases from the artery into the vein. As a result, the vein gets bigger over time. The enlarged vein provides easier access to the blood for a treatment for kidney failure (dialysis). This sheet explains the procedure and what to expect.

What is the gold standard for dialysis access?

An AV fistula is the preferred access of all the types of hemodialysis access and is often referred to as the “gold standard.” In 2013, 65% of all patients in the United States Renal Data system were exclusively using an AV fistula at the end of one year of dialysis.

How is an AV fistula treated?

An AV fistula is how patients are connected to a dialysis machine. A nurse starts your dialysis treatment by inserting two needles into the AV fistula. One needle removes the blood and sends it to the machine, where it is filtered.

What is the longest lasting dialysis access?

“The longest-lasting and best type of dialysis access is an arteriovenous fistula, or AV fistula.” At Yale Medicine, our vascular surgeons use the newest vascular surgery approaches for patients who need an access point for dialysis.