Fistula & Graft Care: Protecting Your Dialysis Lifeline
Essential care tips and warning signs every dialysis patient should know to keep their access working for years.
Your fistula or graft is your lifeline for dialysis. With proper care, a fistula can last 10-20 years and a graft 5-10 years. Learning to care for and monitor your access is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Daily Care Guidelines
DO
- Check your access daily for the "thrill" (vibration)
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Wash before dialysis with antibacterial soap
- Exercise the arm to strengthen the access
- Rotate needle sites during dialysis
DON'T
- Wear tight sleeves or jewelry on that arm
- Sleep on the access arm
- Allow blood pressure readings on that arm
- Allow blood draws from the access
- Carry heavy objects with that arm
Check Your Access Daily
Perform these checks every day:
Feel for the Thrill
Place your fingers lightly over the access. You should feel a vibration or "buzzing" sensation. This indicates good blood flow.
Listen for the Bruit
The "whooshing" sound you hear with a stethoscope confirms blood is flowing properly through your access.
Look for Changes
Check for redness, swelling, warmth, or any changes in the skin over your access.
Warning Signs - Call Immediately
Seek Care Right Away If You Notice:
When Problems Occur
If your access develops problems, we offer same-day interventions to restore function:
Angioplasty
Open narrowed areas in the access.
Stent Placement
Keep narrowed areas open long-term.
Revision Surgery
Repair or modify the access.
Access Problems? We're Here 24/7
Same-day interventions to restore your dialysis access function.