Patient Information

Haemodialysis access with an arteriovenous fistula

If you are receiving haemodialysis for chronic kidney disease (CKD), you will need to have special access created in your veins. You may have already had a temporary catheter or line put in to start dialysis quickly. Your kidney team may recommend that this is replaced with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for long-term use. This leaflet explains what a fistula is, how it is made and how to
take care of it. It also will explain the benefits and possible risks.