Dialysis serves as a substitute for several key functions of healthy kidneys, notably the removal of excess fluids and toxins from the blood in individuals with impaired kidney function for various reasons. There are two main forms of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis involves filtering the blood through a device outside the body known as a dialyzer, often referred to as an “artificial kidney.” This process is facilitated by connecting the patient to the dialyzer via an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), graft (AVG), or a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC).

On the other hand, Peritoneal Dialysis involves the introduction of a dialysis solution into the abdominal cavity through a soft plastic tube, known as a catheter, specifically designed for this purpose—the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. This solution circulates within the abdominal cavity, absorbing waste products and excess fluids from the blood vessels in the peritoneum, before being drained out of the body through the catheter.

The quickest method to initiate hemodialysis for a patient is by inserting a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC). This procedure, performed under local anesthesia and moderate sedation, involves placing the catheter through the skin on the upper chest, tunneling it towards the neck, and inserting it into the internal jugular vein. It’s a brief process allowing patients to start dialysis the same day, serving as a suitable short-term solution. However, TDCs carry a risk of infection over time, potentially leading to sepsis and hospital admissions. Our clinic efficiently manages the placement, exchange, and removal of TDCs to reduce the impact on your treatment schedule.

For individuals with advanced kidney failure, creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a common step, performed either surgically or through a minimally invasive method known as a percutaneous AVF (PAVF), just before or soon after beginning dialysis. An AVF connects an artery to a vein, usually in the arm or leg, forming a high-flow blood circuit. This facilitates the connection of dialysis machine cannulas or needles for blood to be withdrawn, cleaned, and returned to the body. Our expertise lies in endovascular procedures that maintain and optimize these vascular access points, including techniques like balloon maturation, angioplasty, stenting, and declotting.

Our practice is proud to be the first in the Tampa area to offer the PAVF procedure, an innovative, FDA-approved, minimally invasive method for creating dialysis access in the arm. Unlike surgical AVFs, the PAVF involves smaller incisions, reducing scarring and often maturing faster—typically within 60 days—thus requiring fewer maintenance procedures to remain functional.