Dialysis

Your kidneys are essential organs, so dialysis can save your life when they’re not working as they should. At Park Slope Medical Office, PC, in New York City, board-certified vascular surgeon Anjan Rau, MD, has more than three decades of specialized experience in dialysis care. The practice offers start-to-finish dialysis care, from initial kidney evaluation to fistula creation to regular dialysis appointments. Call the Park Slope, Brooklyn, or Jackson Heights, Queens office, or book your appointment online today. 

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical procedure to help filter excess water and waste products from your blood. Normally, this is a job for your kidneys. However, damaged or diseased kidneys don’t function at their peak and may not work at all. 

Dialysis essentially assumes the role your kidneys once held. The process involves removing blood from your body through an artery and sending it to a machine to clean it. Then, the blood returns to your body through a vein. 

What are vascular access points in dialysis?

Vascular access points are the spots where dialysis lines (the thin tubes that serve as transport vehicles for your blood) enter your blood vessels. Dialysis involves frequent appointments, and blood vessels can collapse due to repeated punctures. 

Vascular access points overcome this problem by creating permanent spots for dialysis access. The most common type of vascular access point is an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. The Park Slope Medical Office, PC team performs surgery to establish your AV fistula. 

An AV fistula connects an artery and a vein. Usually, blood goes from the arteries to tiny blood vessels (capillaries) before moving into the veins. With an AV fistula, the blood goes straight to the veins. 

An AV fistula makes a larger, stronger blood vessel that allows blood to flow more normally. The new blood vessel offers easy access to dialysis without the same risk of collapse with untreated blood vessels.

AV fistulas allow for the maximum amount of blood filtering during each dialysis treatment. 

In general, it takes 2-3 months for fistulas to develop and be ready to use. 

How often will I need dialysis?

Most patients come in for dialysis treatment three times a week, with each treatment session lasting 3-4 hours. Treatment duration can vary with:

• Condition of your kidneys
• Amount of water weight you’re carrying
• Your body weight
• The amount of waste buildup in your blood
• The specific type of dialysis machine

Park Slope Medical Office, PC offers compassionate and supportive care attuned to your particular needs. If you need help, schedule your evaluation by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.