This page’s placement in the site structure was never confirmed with Tim (Master Requirements §2.10/§7.2) — it may belong here as a standalone page, or as a subpage of Hemodialysis. It also overlaps with the "Vascular Access Programs" item inside Patient Support Programs. Both are included as drafted, pending a placement decision.
To carry out haemodialysis, your blood needs to flow from your body into the dialysis machine and back again. This is done through a vascular access — a special connection to your bloodstream created by a surgeon.
Catheter — a soft plastic tube placed in a large vein (neck or chest); usable immediately, but carries a higher infection risk and is intended as a short-term solution only.
Fistula — an artery connected directly to a vein, usually in the arm; the best long-term option, with the lowest infection and clotting risk, and the longest lasting.
Graft — synthetic tubing connecting an artery and vein when veins are unsuitable for a fistula; usable sooner than a fistula, but more prone to clotting and infection.
Vascular access is created through a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. Once in place, two blood lines are connected each session — one carries blood out to the machine, and one returns clean blood to you. This can often be done by a trained doctor in-clinic.
Your vascular access is the foundation of every dialysis session. Our care team works with you to choose the right type of access and to help maintain it for the long term.
See our Vascular Access Programs