To mark the World Kidney Day on March 11, BD-India launched the ‘Save The Fistula’ Campaign with Dr Agamya Saxena Dr Gopesh K Modi here on Wednesday to enhance awareness on saving fistula. Dr Saxena, Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Bhopal advises kidney patients undergoing dialysis to protect their fistulas and vascular access created during the treatment.
Avascular access is of critical importance to a hemodialysis patient’s life since it facilitates the possibility of life-saving hemodialysis treatment. It also has a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of patients with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). In most cases, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with ESKD, while the second most common and alarming cause is ?an ?infection in vascular access.
Two types of vascular access are often designed for long-term use; the arteriovenous (AV) fistula and the AV graft. The AV Fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein creating a ready source with a rapid blood flow. The fistula is located under the skin and is used during dialysis to access the bloodstream.
Speaking on the importance of the AV Fistula, Dr Agamya Saxena told media persons, “The most popular way of doing dialysis is through the AV Fistula, where an artery, particularly in the forearm, is connected to a vein. After the fistula is created, the patient goes through hemodialysis, a procedure where the blood is removed from the body through a needle and returned through another needle after cleaning. In other words, the Fistulas function as a life-line for patients. One has to take proper care of the Fistula to prevent any infection that can hamper the dialysis procedure.”