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ESRD

End Stage Renal Disease (Dialysis)

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENAL FAILURE AND DIALYSIS

Dialysis is a process used to treat patients whose kidneys are no longer working properly. It involves a special machine and tubing that removes blood from the body, cleanses it of waste and extra fluid and then returns it back to the body.

To undergo dialysis, a physician first creates access to a patient’s blood vessel using one of three methods:

  • a fistula, which is made by joining together an artery and vein to make a bigger high-flow blood vessel.
  • a graft, in which a soft plastic tube is placed between an artery and a vein, creating an artificial high-flow blood vessel.
  • Catheter access, in which a narrow plastic tube is inserted into a large vein in the neck or groin.

When fistulas and grafts become clogged or narrowed, which can prevent a patient from undergoing successful dialysis, interventional radiologists use image-guided interventions to solve the problem:

  • Catheter-directed thrombolysis, which dissolves blood clots that build up in fistulas and grafts by injecting a medicine.
  • Angioplasty and stenting, which uses mechanical devices, such as a balloon, to open fistulas and grafts and helps them remain open with a small implantable wire mesh tube called a stent.

Take a look at the common risks predispositions, and signs/symptoms

Then read up on some of the testing and procedures VMA Care can perform for you using comfortable,minimally invasive, state-of-the-art equipment and techniques:

Causes

  • Heart Attack
  • Infection
  • Use of some pain relievers (like aspirin and ibuprofen)
  • Kidney Inflammation
  • Severe Burns
  • Dehydration
  • Anaphylaxis

Risk Factors

  • Smoking
  • Aging (most common over the age of 64)
  • Obesity
  • Race (more prevalent in Native Americans, Asian Americans and African Americans)
  • Excess exposure to some toxins

Predisopostions

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Existing Heart Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Liver Disease
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
  • Sickle Cell disease
  • Excess Blood Cholesterol
  • Lupus and other autoimmune disorders

Symptoms

  • Confusion
  • Lethargy
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood in the urine
  • Anemia
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Edema of the arms (swelling)
  • Prolonged Bleeding
  • Increase Pressures at Dialysis
  • Acute or Chronic Thrombosis
  • Reduced Quality of Dialysis
  • Difficult Cannulation Central Venous Occlusion (CVO)
  • Maturation Difficulty

Conditions We Treat

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease, is a serious, yet treatable disease, characterized by a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to extremities such as the legs. We can perform a minimally invasive...

End Stage Renal Disease

Dialysis is a process used to treat patients whose kidneys are no longer working properly. It involves a special machine and tubing that removes blood from the body, cleanses it of waste and extra fluid ...

Venous Disease

Blood clots can form in the veins and obstruct flow back to the heart resulting in swelling and pain in the extremities (limbs). A blood clot can possibly break off and travel to the lungs...

Our Providers

Dr. Peter Farrugia

 Interventional Cardiologist

Let's Get In Touch!

Please call the phone number below, or fill out the form with your information, and our 5 star staff will be in touch with you ASAP…

Address

  • 317 George Street, Suite 412, 4th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

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Office Hours

Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed

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