To protect your vascular access fistula, it is crucial to avoid certain activities that could damage it or impair its function, which is vital for dialysis treatment. The primary things you should not do with a fistula concern its physical use and protection.
Key Precautions for Fistula Care
Protecting your fistula from harm is essential for its longevity and proper functioning. Ignoring these precautions can lead to complications such as clotting, infection, or damage, which might necessitate repairs or even the creation of new access.
Here are the critical activities to avoid:
| Activity to Avoid | Reason for Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Blood draws from the access arm | Drawing blood from the fistula arm can introduce infection, cause damage to the blood vessel, or lead to the formation of clots, compromising the patency (openness) of the fistula. |
| Intravenous (IV) insertions into the access arm | Inserting an IV line directly into the access arm carries the same risks as blood draws, including potential for infection, direct vessel injury, or thrombosis (clot formation), which could render the fistula unusable for dialysis. |
| Blood pressure measurements on the access arm | The compression from a blood pressure cuff can temporarily or permanently restrict blood flow through the fistula. This compression can cause clotting, damage the delicate vessel walls, or reduce the efficiency of the blood flow within the fistula. |
Proactive Measures
To help prevent others, especially healthcare providers, from inadvertently performing these actions, it is highly recommended to take proactive steps:
- Wear a medical alert bracelet: Obtain and wear a bracelet that clearly indicates you have dialysis access (a fistula) in a specific arm. This serves as a vital alert for all healthcare personnel.
- Inform all providers: Always remind doctors, nurses, and other medical staff about your fistula before any procedures or examinations involving that arm.
Taking these precautions helps ensure your fistula remains a healthy and functional lifeline for your dialysis needs.
