The heart is at the center of the body's cardiovascular system. A healthy heart and healthy cardiovascular system pumps oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the arteries and returns oxygen-poor blood back to the heart through the veins. When there is a problem with the system, a vascular surgeon is often called upon to intervene and operate to repair or improve the patient's vascular health.
Some of the more common vascular problems that require a vascular surgeon include peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and atherosclerosis. PAD is a condition where blood flow is restricted in the legs or other extremities of the body. Atherosclerosis, sometimes referred to as a narrowing of the arteries, occurs when plaque buildup inside the arteries restricts or completely blocks off the flow of blood through one or more arteries.
Both conditions are life-threatening and can lead to heart attack, stroke or even death. Vascular surgeons in Nebraska specialize in treating these and other conditions related to the body's vascular system. Surgical procedures can clear blocked arteries. Surgery can also repair a torn or damaged artery.
One of the areas that some vascular surgeons in Nebraska specialize in is the creation of a fistula for a patient that needs to undergo hemodialysis. This very delicate surgical procedure involves the grafting of a vein and artery, usually in the lower or upper arm, to create an access where the dialysis can be performed.
The graft of the vein and artery creates an increase in blood flow to the specific area of the body as the artery forces more into the narrow vein. Over time, a successful graft will form a wider vessel that can accept the needles used to perform hemodialysis. Patients with fistulas can feel a buzzing or throbbing sensation which is actually the blood being forced through the site.
The operation to create a fistula for people that need to go on hemodialysis is usually done on an out-patient basis. The patient comes in early, is prepped and then the operation takes about an hour. Upon completion, the patient will have little or no sensation in their hand as the anesthesia wears off. After a few hours, feeling should return and the patient is sent home.
A fistula is the preferred access for hemodialysis patients. It has been shown to give patients the best possible exchange of blood as it is filtered through the dialyzer. In addition to the volume of blood flow that a fistula can handle, as compared to a surgically implanted catheter, it is also much better at preventing possible infection because there is no open wound.
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