Clotted Dialysis Access | Catheter Care | MedStar Health

Improving blood flow through artificial vessels used during dialysis

If a fistula or graft access to your blood vessels during dialysis becomes narrow or clogged, it can prevent you from receiving this life-saving treatment.

The surgeons in our Vascular and Endovascular Program work with kidney specialists to keep your dialysis access working effectively.

Procedure

A minimally invasive catheter procedure will likely be used to reach the access vessel. To improve blood flow, your doctor may recommend:

  • Angioplasty: A catheter is guided to the access vessel, and a small balloon is used to widen a narrow vessel.

  • Thrombolysis: Medication is used to dissolve blood clots blocking blood flow.

  • Stenting: Your doctor may recommend that a stent be placed after the access vessel is cleared to prevent future blockages.

Tests

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Our locations

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MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9101 Franklin Square Dr.
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21237

443-777-1901

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Pasquerilla Healthcare Center
Building 4
Washington, DC 20007

877-367-2434

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Drive
Suite 5200
Olney, MD 20832

410-657-1947

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Road
Ste 200
Leonardtown, MD 20650

240-434-4022

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building

3300 North Calvert Street
First Floor
Baltimore, MD 21218

410-261-8226

MedStar Health: Vascular Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Physician Office Building

106 Irving Street NW
Physician Office Bldg.
Suite 3150 North Tower
Washington, DC 20010

202-877-0456