Fistula

Fistula establishes connection between vein and artery and is usually done in the forearm by a surgeon in operation room usually under local anesthesia. Before hemodialysis, an access to the circulation has to be created. If it is an emergency, the doctor puts in a central line temporarily either in the neck or in the chest or in the groin. When it is a question of long-term hemodialysis, the surgeon creates a fistula in the arm by joining up an artery and vein. This procedure can take about 45 minutesThere are certain precautions that have to be taken with the "Fistula Hand" especially if it has been recently created. Make sure that blood pressure is not taken on the fistula arm. Regular exercise should be done. Take a small rubber ball in your fistula hand and try to squeeze the ball every 5 minutes for an hour.