A lifeline of hemodialysis patients is vascular access, which allows for life-saving hemodialysis treatments. Hemodialysis is a kidney failure treatment that involves a machine that filters the blood of a patient outside the body using a dialyzer. During hemodialysis, the access is a surgically constructed vein that is used to extract and return blood. A needle pulls a few ounces of blood at a time.
The blood is then passed through a tube and into a dialyzer. Blood travels through thin fibers inside the dialyzer, filtering away wastes and excess fluid. The filtered blood is given to the body via a separate tube by the machine. Vascular access allows significant amounts of blood to flow continuously during hemodialysis treatments so that as much blood as feasible is filtered per treatment.
Advantages of Vascular Access Treatment:
✔️ A central catheter allows for the infusion of medication or nutritional nutrients without the risks associated with an IV, such as local tissue damage from toxic drugs leaking out of the vein.
✔️ In many cases, having this type of tube implanted allows for a quick and painless blood collection, as well as the delivery of medications, nutrition, or both.
✔️ The patient is spared the pain and stress of frequent needle sticks thanks to vascular access devices.
✔️ A vascular access device is an excellent option for patients who, for whatever reason, require frequent venous access over a long period. There are various designs to choose from, each of which is appropriate for a distinct situation.
✔️ A vascular access device is an excellent option for patients who require long-term treatment, such as chemotherapy. They would not need an IV line for each treatment, and their arm veins would not get permanently scarred.
✔️ When drugs or fluids irritating to the vein wall are required, a PICC can be beneficial. This route can deliver a wide range of medications, including antibiotics and blood products. The catheter can also be used for IV nutrition and blood samples regularly.
✔️ A vascular access device can be utilized right away when it is implanted. Some varieties will work effectively for a year or longer. When the gadgets are no longer required, they can be easily uninstalled.
✔️ In individuals with advanced kidney disease, a catheter may be the only means to access the circulatory system for hemodialysis.