End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment in Arizona

End-Stage Renal Disease is a permanent condition in which the kidneys are unable to filter waste from the blood appropriately.

Despite it being a permanent condition, there are many ways to treat this disease and get back to living a healthy lifestyle. With many years of extensive vascular experience, the highly trained vascular surgeons at Western Vascular Institute are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. They will take the time to answer any questions that you may have and help discover the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle. For more information, schedule an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons in Arizona, at our vein and vascular clinics in Phoenix, Mesa and Payson, Arizona.

What Are the Symptoms of End-Stage Renal Disease?

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease, which occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. Some of the symptoms of ESRD include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Decreased urine output
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Swelling
• Shortness of breath

What Are the Causes of End-Stage Renal Disease?

Diabetes causes damage to the nephrons (filters within the kidneys) due to chronic high blood sugar. High blood pressure also causes damage to the kidney blood vessels. Additional risk factors include heart disease, smoking, obesity, family history of kidney disease, and being over the age over 60.

How Do You Treat End-Stage Renal Disease?

• Arteriovenous Fistula Creation (AV Fistula): An arteriovenous fistula, or AV Fistula creation, is a surgical connection made by a vascular surgeon between an artery and a vein for a patient diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease. Typically they are located in the arm and are created to allow for long-term hemodialysis access. AV Fistula connections are the preferred access method for patients needing long-term dialysis because of their long-term functionality.
• Arteriovenous Graft (AV Graft): When patients are not appropriate candidates for an AV Fistula an AV graft can be used. An AV graft is an artificial piece of tubing that is used to create the connection between the artery and vein. This tube is then punctured for future dialysis procedures.
• Fistulagram or Hemodialysis Access Maintenance: An x-ray study of the fistula to detect and occlusions, clotting, or other issues with the fistula.