DIALYSIS
Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation (pAVF)
A minimally invasive procedure that connects an artery and vein using a small catheter, not open surgery, helping reduce pain, recovery time, and scarring.
What is Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation?
A percutaneous AV fistula (pAVF) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that creates dialysis access without traditional open surgery. A vascular specialist uses ultrasound and X-ray guidance to place a small catheter through a tiny puncture in the arm. Next, a specialized device connects an artery and a vein to form the fistula.
Because the opening is small, there are no large incisions or stitches, and scarring is minimal. The percutaneous dialysis fistula creation procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and is often done on an outpatient basis.
The pAVF procedure creates a strong, long-lasting access point that allows dialysis to filter your blood efficiently. It also helps reduce the need for external catheters, which can increase the risk of infection.
Symptoms Treated
Kidney Failure
Inability for the kidneys to effectively filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Kidney Failure
Inability for the kidneys to effectively filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Procedure Details
During your consultation, our specialists will:
Pre-Procedure Assessment
Before creating a permanent dialysis access, you’ll have a consultation and imaging tests. These scans check your blood vessels to confirm if an endovascular AV fistula is suitable for you.
The pAVF Procedure
The pAVF is created using a minimally invasive dialysis access approach, performed through catheter-based, endovascular techniques rather than open surgery.
It is completed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day with less discomfort and a faster recovery.
Post-Procedure Maturation
After AV fistula creation for dialysis, the access requires time to heal and strengthen before it is ready for regular dialysis sessions.
We'll answer all your questions and ensure you fully understand your options, even if that means we think you are better suited by procedures we don't offer.
Benefits and Risks
Typical Benefits
- •Durable, long-term dialysis access comparable to surgical fistulas
- •Lower infection risk than dialysis catheters
- •Minimal scarring from a small puncture site
- •Faster recovery with fewer lifestyle disruptions
- •Reduced risk of complications like infections or aneurysms
- •Preserves future vascular access options
- •Same-day outpatient procedure
Potential Risks
- •Possible bleeding at the access site
- •Risk of infection
- •Fistula may not mature adequately
- •Not all patients are suitable candidates
- •Vascular anatomy may limit eligibility
- •Individual risks reviewed during consultation
Recovery and Outlook
Our dialysis access specialists in Port Arthur, TX ensure your recovery is fast and supported throughout.
- Minimal discomfort and a short recovery timeline
- Regular follow-ups to monitor fistula maturation
- Coordination with your nephrologist and dialysis center
- Continued access to our team for questions or concerns
Answers to Your
Common Questions
Percutaneous AV fistula creation is performed by highly trained, board-certified vascular specialists, such as vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists, who specialize in dialysis access procedures. These physicians use advanced imaging guidance and minimally invasive techniques to safely connect an artery and a vein, ensuring reliable, long-term dialysis access while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time.
The pAVF procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. Because it is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, patients can go home the same day.
Dialysis using a percutaneous AV fistula (pAVF) can usually begin once the fistula has matured, which often takes 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure. Your vascular specialist and dialysis team will monitor blood flow and vein development to ensure the fistula is strong enough for safe and effective dialysis.
Yes, percutaneous AV fistula (pAVF) creation is typically an outpatient procedure. This means it is performed in a clinic or specialized facility, and patients can go home the same day without an overnight hospital stay.
Yes, a percutaneous AV fistula (pAVF) can be revised if needed. If issues such as narrowing, low blood flow, or other complications occur, a vascular specialist can perform minimally invasive procedures to repair, widen, or optimize the fistula, helping ensure it remains a reliable access point for dialysis.
Yes, we offer percutaneous AV fistula (pAVF) dialysis access treatment in Port Arthur, TX. Our team of board-certified vascular specialists and interventional radiologists provides minimally invasive procedures designed to create safe, reliable dialysis access without the need for traditional open surgery. Using advanced imaging guidance, we carefully connect an artery and vein through a small puncture, reducing recovery time, discomfort, and scarring. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing most patients to return home the same day. Our staff works closely with your nephrologist and dialysis center to ensure seamless integration into your dialysis plan, monitor fistula maturation, and provide ongoing support for your long-term vascular access needs.
Your physician: Zagum Bhatti, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist · Former Assistant Professor of VIR, UTHealth Houston
Dr. Bhatti has published peer-reviewed research on vascular interventions.
Meet Dr. Bhatti →