Access Center
Our Surgery Access Center
Located in Newington, our Access Center provides a private, outpatient setting where we can evaluate and treat common problems associated with the catheters, grafts, and fistulas necessary for dialysis access.
At our Access Center, board-certified nephrologists specializing in interventional nephrology are skilled in diagnostic and therapeutic AV shunt procedures, in addition to the insertion, replacement, or removal of central venous catheters.
Below are some common testing and treatment techniques:
- Angiography: With sophisticated equipment, our physicians are able to examine blood flow through the dialysis access and identify whether there are any obstructions or narrowing in the blood vessels.
- Angioplasty: If there is a narrowing, or stenosis, a catheter may be used and a balloon inserted to open up the vessel to optimize blood flow.
- Stent: Should the vessel not open completely or become weakened, a stent can be transported through the catheter as well.
- Thrombectomy: If there is a collection of blood or blood clot blocking or reducing the flow, a balloon and/or a special medicine can be delivered through a catheter to help destroy the clot.
- Embolization: Sometimes there are extra vessels that develop and divert blood flow away from the graft or fistula; when this happens, tiny coils may be deployed through the catheter to close off the accessory veins.
All of these procedures are performed percutaneously, or through the skin, which means that there are no incisions or sutures required. Also, local sedation will be administered to ensure that each patient is comfortable throughout the treatment.
Click here to meet two of our transplant and surgical specialists.
Our Access Center team shares their approach to care and how they make a positive difference in the lives of dialysis patients.