Open surgical and endovascular shunt installation and shunt revision for renal replacement therapy

Overview

A dialysis access, or “shunt” for short, is of central importance for the quality of life of patients.

A “shunt”, pronunciation: [ʃʌnt]; English for: Displacement or switch, is the medical term for a short-circuit connection with fluid transfer between normally separate vessels or cavities.

A “shunt” is required for “dialysis” (blood washing, kidney replacement therapy) when blood is pumped from the body into a medical device for purification. The purified blood is then returned to the body.

Native dialysis shunt

A native dialysis shunt or “artery/vein fistula” is a connection between an artery and a vein. The “matured” shunt vein is punctured with 2 cannulas, which remain in the vessel and are then connected to a dialysis machine.

Prosthesis shunt

A plastic prosthesis under the skin connects the artery and the vein. In order to carry out dialysis, the prosthesis can be punctured through the skin after a certain period of time.

Our overriding goal is to be a competent contact for dialysis access for our patients and referring physicians. In addition to structured treatment, including medical pre- and post-operative care, we offer a 24/7 emergency standby service for all patients and referring doctors.

Procedure

Evaluation

We start with a clinical examination and an ultrasound examination of the vessels (veins and arteries) for the surgical installation of a dialysis access. Based on the results obtained, the type of dialysis access (catheter, shunt or peritoneal dialysis) is determined together with the patient.

Intervention

Temporary and permanent dialysis access catheters and dialysis fistulas for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are surgically inserted by a specialist interdisciplinary team. Depending on medical necessity, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or during a short inpatient stay.

Aftercare

If a shunt dysfunction or occlusion occurs, a revision procedure (shunt thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty, surgical correction of the shunt, creation of a new shunt) is performed after a clinical examination, an ultrasound examination and possibly an angiography.

In the event of an emergency, we are available 24/7/365 via a service team.