Checking Your New AV Fistula

The resources below will help you learn how to check your AV fistula to avoid problems or catch them early:

 

Understanding Your Hemodialysis Access Options

Illustrated, 16-page guide includes step-by-step instructions for checking for fistula problems.  Also provides definitions for lesser-known medical terms.  From the AAKP.

 

Choosing Your Hemodialysis Vascular Access

Two page article (pages 6-7) describes how to check for fistula problems and provides a list of problem signs you need to report to the doctor.  From NKF's Family Focus newsletter.

 

Kidney School Module 8 - Vascular Access: A Lifeline for Dialysis

Illustrated, 27-page module tells you what to look for when doing a daily fistula check and offers a list of symptoms to report to the care team.  From Life Options' Kidney School (MEI).

 

Phase 2: AAKP Patient Plan

Fifty seven page book, Access and Initiation, describes what to look for when checking for fistula problems, such as clotting and infection on pages 5-6.  From the AAKP.

 

Putting "U" in Fistula

Twelve page newsletter desribes how to check and track your venous pressure.  A sample chart is included.  From ESRD Network 12.

 

Maintaining Your Lifeline

Twelve page newsletter gives you a list of symptoms to watch for, and tells you how to check for your thrill and bruit. Also describes narrowing (stenosis) and how to prevent it.  From ESRD Network 12.

 

Vascular Access Passport Set - Part 1
Vascular Access Passport Set - Part 2

Two part resource gives you a convenient record of information about access problems, including any revisions, cause(s) of failure, and details about blocked veins.  From the ESRD Network of New England.

 

Please Note: Before printing any of these resources, we recommend that you check your printer settings to determine the correct page orientation for the document.  Some tools may need to be printed in the 'Landscape' format to avoid cutting off any of the text.

  

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