Understanding Your Access Options for Dialysis

We understand that dialysis care can be overwhelming. Choosing the right access is one of the most important parts of your dialysis journey. We’re here to help you understand the options and what they mean for your care.

A healthcare worker in blue gloves and green scrubs is preparing to draw blood from a patient's arm, which is resting on a white sheet with pink accents.

What Is Vascular Access?

Vascular access is the essential connection that allows blood to flow in and out of your body during hemodialysis.

There are three main types of dialysis access used for hemodialysis:

Fistula 

(Preferred Option)

Illustration of a leg showing varicose veins in the calf with red and blue lines indicating blood flow.

A dialysis fistula is created by surgically connecting a vein to an artery.
This increases blood flow and causes the vein to grow stronger and larger over time, making it suitable for dialysis.

Why Fistulas Are Preferred:

  • Lowest risk of infection or complications

  • Longest lifespan

  • Fully beneath the skin

  • Uses your own natural vein

Once matured, two needles are inserted for each dialysis session

Graft 

(Second Choice)

Illustration of a human forearm showing veins with blue and red lines representing blood flow.

A dialysis graft connects an artery to a vein using a small piece of synthetic tubing.
It works like a fistula but may not last as long and has a higher chance of infection or clotting.

What to Know About Grafts:

  • Fully beneath the skin

  • Can be used sooner than a fistula

  • Requires strong blood flow to work properly

  • A good alternative if a fistula isn’t possible

  • Dialysis is done with two needles, just like a fistula

Catheter 

(Temporary Use Only)

Illustration of a human heart connected to medical tubes and equipment for a medical procedure.

A dialysis catheter is a soft plastic tube placed in a large vein, usually in the neck or groin.
It stays partially outside your body and the tip of the catheter sits right above your heart.

Important Notes About Catheters:

  • Highest risk of infection and complications

  • Only meant for short-term use

  • Used while waiting for a fistula or graft

  • Not recommended for long-term dialysis care

  • Because part of it stays outside the body, it’s more vulnerable to problems

It is our goal to move patients from catheters to a permanent dialysis access option as quickly and safely as possible.

Which Access Type Is Right for Me?

Every patient is different.

We work closely with your nephrologist and surgeons to:

  • Help you choose the safest, most effective dialysis access for your body

  • Monitor your access over time to keep it working properly

  • Adjust your care plan if needed to prevent complications

A stylized butterfly logo with yellow and black colors.