Dialysis Access

Xenophon P. Xenophontos, MD -  - Vascular Surgeon

Xenophon P. Xenophontos, MD

Vascular Surgeon & Endovascular Surgeon located in Garden City, NY

As an experienced surgeon, Xenophon P. Xenophontos, MD, FACS, FSVS, can assist you in your hemodialysis treatment. At his Garden City, New York, vascular surgery office, Dr. Xenophontos offers comprehensive care for creating vascular dialysis access to connect you with the dialysis machine. He uses the latest techniques to create the access point you need for continued treatment of kidney disease. To learn more about dialysis access surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Xenophontos today using the online booking feature or by calling the office.

Dialysis Access Q & A

Why do I need dialysis access surgery?

Dialysis access surgery is a procedure that creates a vascular access point that connects to the dialysis equipment, a machine that filters your blood outside of your body.

This type of treatment is necessary if you have dysfunction or disease in your kidneys, and they don’t filter out waste and excess fluids from your blood. Hemodialysis ensures that you don’t develop high blood pressure due to excess fluids and helps you retain an important balance of minerals in your blood.

What’s involved in dialysis access?

Dialysis access surgery is available as an elective procedure, and Dr. Xenophontos also performs the surgery to address emergency situations. Ideally, you should schedule your consultation for dialysis access in advance of your expected hemodialysis treatment as your body needs time to heal before you can use the access area.

To identify the correct placement area for a catheter used to create an access point, Dr. Xenophontos uses in-office ultrasound technology.

In the elective procedure, Dr. Xenophontos places the catheter in an artery in your arm, often near your wrist or elbow. This access point is known as an arterio-venous fistula and is the preferred method for dialysis access surgery because it has fewer risks for infections and tends to last longer than other access types.

In emergency procedures, Dr. Xenophontos may place the catheter in veins in your chest, neck, or groin. If your veins are not sufficient for the placement of the catheter, he may use a synthetic tube to create an access point.

How long does it take to heal from dialysis access surgery?

Following your procedure, it can take as little as two weeks or as long as several months for the access site to heal properly. The area can’t be used for hemodialysis until this healing occurs.

Dr. Xenophontos carefully monitors the surgical site in follow-up visits to prevent infection and ensures the access site is viable for your dialysis treatment.

If you expect to need hemodialysis in the near future, contact Xenophon P. Xenophontos, MD, FACS, FSVS, today to discuss your options for dialysis access. You can call the office or request an appointment online now.