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How the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga Supports Patients on Dialysis
For patients living with kidney failure, dialysis is a lifeline. But for dialysis to work effectively, patients need reliable vascular access—and that’s where expert vascular care becomes crucial. At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga (VIC), we specialize in creating and maintaining dialysis access sites to ensure every patient receives consistent, safe, and effective treatment.
If you or a loved one is facing the start of dialysis—or struggling with access site complications—this blog will help you understand your options and how VIC is equipped to provide the care you need.
Why Vascular Access Matters in Dialysis
Dialysis treatments involve filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so naturally. To carry out this process, a secure and durable method is needed to access the bloodstream multiple times each week.
There are three primary types of dialysis access:
- Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula – A connection between an artery and vein in the arm, created surgically. This is the preferred access method due to its durability and lower risk of infection.
- Arteriovenous (AV) Graft – A synthetic tube used to connect an artery and vein when a fistula isn’t possible. It’s ready for use sooner than a fistula but may require more maintenance.
- Central Venous Catheter – A temporary access placed in a large neck vein. It’s used when dialysis must begin immediately but carries the highest risk of infection and complications.
The success of your dialysis depends heavily on the condition of your vascular access. That’s why ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and timely interventions are essential.
How VIC Supports Dialysis Patients Every Step of the Way
At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, we provide comprehensive dialysis access care from planning and creation to long-term maintenance and emergency repair.
Here’s what makes our approach different:
1. Customized Access Planning
We begin with an in-depth evaluation of each patient’s vascular health, using ultrasound mapping and advanced imaging to identify the best potential access sites. Our team considers factors like:
- Patient age
- Dominant hand use
- Underlying vascular conditions
- Previous access attempts
- Urgency of dialysis start
Our goal is to maximize function and minimize complications by selecting the most appropriate access type for each patient.
2. Fistula and Graft Creation by Vascular Experts
Once an access plan is determined, our board-certified vascular surgeons perform the procedure in a safe and controlled environment. AV fistulas are often placed weeks or months before dialysis begins to allow time for the vein to mature and strengthen.
In cases where a fistula isn’t possible due to small or damaged veins, an AV graft provides an excellent alternative. These procedures are performed with minimally invasive techniques and coordinated closely with the nephrologist and dialysis center.
3. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
Dialysis access isn’t “set it and forget it.” Over time, AV fistulas and grafts can become narrowed or blocked due to:
- Clotting (thrombosis)
- Scarring (stenosis)
- Repeated needle access
- Infection or trauma
That’s why we provide routine surveillance and intervention when needed. Our services include:
- Duplex ultrasound exams to monitor blood flow
- Angioplasty to open narrowed areas
- Thrombectomy to remove clots
- Stenting to support weakened vessel walls
- Access site revision or re-creation if needed
These outpatient procedures are typically performed same-day in our vascular suite, minimizing disruption to the patient’s dialysis schedule.
4. Emergency Access Intervention
If a fistula or graft becomes blocked or stops working, time is critical. VIC offers rapid access intervention to restore blood flow and prevent missed dialysis treatments. We accept direct referrals from dialysis centers, nephrologists, and urgent care teams—and we provide same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs.
5. Education and Partnership with Dialysis Centers
VIC works hand-in-hand with local dialysis centers and nephrologists to ensure seamless patient care. We also educate patients on:
- How to care for their access site
- Warning signs of infection or malfunction
- How to avoid injury to the arm with the access
- What to expect after an intervention or surgery
Empowering patients to recognize changes early can make the difference between a quick repair and a lost access site.
Why Choose the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga?
At VIC, we’re more than just vascular surgeons—we’re partners in your long-term kidney care journey. Whether you’re a new dialysis patient or someone who’s experienced multiple access complications, our team brings expertise, compassion, and urgency to every case.
Here’s why more patients are choosing VIC:
✅ On-site imaging and outpatient procedures
✅ Experienced in all forms of dialysis access and repair
✅ Quick appointments and fast intervention times
✅ Collaborative care with nephrologists and dialysis teams
✅ Compassionate, patient-centered approach
We understand how critical dialysis is to your life—and we’re here to ensure your access site works safely and reliably, every step of the way.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Lifeline
If you or someone you love is preparing for dialysis or struggling with existing access, don’t delay care. The earlier you partner with a vascular specialist, the better your outcomes will be.
📍 Book your dialysis access consultation today
📞 Call VIC for same-day or next-day availability
🌐 Visit www.vascularinstituteofchattanooga.com to learn more
