A vascular access center is an outpatient facility specializing in the care and maintenance of vascular access. If complications arise, vascular specialists perform prompt outpatient procedures to restore function, helping patients resume function quickly and avoid hospital admissions.
Find quick answers to common questions about vascular access, procedures, and care. We are here to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and prepared for your visit.
It's a direct access point in your veins that allows a dialysis machine to clean your blood. It may be a fistula (AVF), a graft (AVG), or a catheter (CVC).
An AV fistula is generally preferred because it lasts longer and has fewer complications like clotting or infection.
Typically 6-8 weeks; grafts often 2–3 weeks—but individual results vary.
Yes — the most common problems include stenosis (vessel narrowing), clotting (thrombosis) and infection.
A minimally invasive X-ray test using contrast dye to visualize blood flow in your access and identify blockages.
No. Most procedures are done with local anesthesia or conscious sedation — you'll be awake and recovering quickly.
If only local anesthesia is used, yes. If sedation is used, a responsible adult must drive you home.
No — please fast (no food or drink) for 8 hours before your procedure.
We will call you the day before. Take your morning medications with a sip of water unless instructed differently. Arrive early to complete paperwork.
You'll change into a gown, get monitored (blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate), your doctor will review the plan and answer questions, then the interventional procedure will begin.
With local anesthesia, you'll go home soon after; with sedation you'll be monitored and instructed not to drive, drink alcohol or operate machinery for 24 hours.
Don't wait. If you suspect a problem, call us. We'll evaluate and perform a minimally invasive intervention to restore flow and function.