For patients with kidney failure, maintaining a functioning dialysis access site is essential for receiving life-saving hemodialysis treatments. Over time, dialysis grafts and fistulas can become narrowed or completely blocked, preventing proper blood flow. Dialysis access thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove blood clots, restore access function, and prevent complications that can delay essential dialysis treatments.
At Vascular Surgery Associates, our board-certified vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide advanced dialysis access thrombectomy procedures, ensuring patients receive timely, effective treatment to keep their dialysis access sites functioning properly.
Understanding Dialysis Access and Why Blockages Occur
Patients undergoing hemodialysis require a vascular access site to allow for efficient blood filtration. This access is typically created using:
Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula
A direct connection between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm
Arteriovenous (AV) Graft
A synthetic tube connecting an artery and a vein
Central Venous Catheter (CVC)
A temporary access placed in a large vein, often in the neck
Over time, narrowing or clot formation (thrombosis) can occur at these access points, leading to:
- Reduced or completely blocked blood flow
- Swelling, pain, or changes in the appearance of the access site
- Difficulty or inability to complete dialysis treatments
Early intervention with dialysis access thrombectomy can quickly remove the clot and restore normal function, preventing further complications.
What is Dialysis Access Thrombectomy?
Dialysis access thrombectomy is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that removes blood clots and restores blood flow in AV fistulas and grafts. This treatment eliminates the need for open surgery in most cases and allows patients to resume dialysis as soon as possible.
How the Procedure Works
- A small catheter is inserted into the dialysis access site through a tiny puncture.
- A clot-dissolving medication or a mechanical clot removal device is used to break down and extract the clot.
- An angiogram (X-ray imaging with contrast dye) is performed to identify areas of narrowing or blockages.
- If needed, a balloon angioplasty is performed to widen the narrowed segment of the vein or graft.
- Once blood flow is restored, the catheter is removed, and the patient is closely monitored before discharge.
This procedure is typically completed in under an hour, with most patients returning to dialysis treatments the same or next day.
Who Needs Dialysis Access Thrombectomy?
Patients undergoing hemodialysis may require thrombectomy if they experience:
- Sudden loss of blood flow in a dialysis graft or fistula
- Inability to complete a dialysis session due to access failure
- Swelling, pain, or warmth around the access site
- Clotting that occurs frequently, leading to repeated access failure
- Severe narrowing in the graft or fistula that does not respond to angioplasty alone
At Vascular Surgery Associates, our vascular specialists assess each patient’s access site function and vascular health to determine the best treatment plan for restoring dialysis access.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Dialysis Access Thrombectomy
Compared to traditional open surgical procedures, minimally invasive thrombectomy offers significant advantages, including:
Quick, effective clot removal
Restores immediate blood flow to the dialysis access site
No large incisions
Reduces risk of infection, scarring, and discomfort
Faster recovery
Most patients can return to dialysis within hours
Lower risk of complications
Minimally invasive approach reduces trauma to the blood vessels
Outpatient procedure
Performed in a vascular lab or outpatient center, avoiding hospitalization
For patients experiencing frequent access site clotting, our vascular specialists may recommend additional procedures, such as fistula revision or surgical graft repair, to provide a more permanent solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dialysis Access Thrombectomy
Signs of a blocked access include swelling, redness, pain, or a loss of the usual “thrill” (vibration) when touching the access site. If dialysis treatments become difficult or ineffective, an evaluation is needed.
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation, ensuring patients remain comfortable throughout the process.
The procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the blockage.
Most patients return home the same day and can resume dialysis within 24 hours.
If access thrombosis occurs frequently, a vascular specialist will evaluate whether a new access site, angioplasty, or surgical revision is needed.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Expert Dialysis Access Thrombectomy in Los Angeles & Santa Monica – Restore Function, Prevent Complications
For dialysis patients, a functioning access site is critical for life-sustaining treatment. If you experience clotting or access failure, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent treatment delays. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our leading vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide advanced dialysis access thrombectomy procedures to restore function and prevent complications.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and ensure your dialysis access remains healthy and functional.