Stent Placement
Dialysis Access Stent Placement and Repair in Arizona
What Is a Stent?
A stent is a small metal mesh tube placed inside a blood vessel to help keep it open. In dialysis access care, a stent is used when a fistula or graft becomes narrowed or repeatedly closes. By supporting the inside of the vessel, a stent helps maintain healthy blood flow so dialysis treatments can continue safely.
Why Stent Placement Is Needed
Stents are used as a part of an angioplasty procedure when balloon treatment alone does not fully correct the narrowing, or when the vessel begins to close again soon after treatment. In these situations, placing a stent can reinforce the vessel and may help keep the vessel open when balloon treatment alone is not enough.
After the Procedure
You may have mild soreness at the access site for a short time. Your care team will show you how to check your access and what to watch for, including changes in the thrill (a.k.a., the gentle vibration you can feel when you place your fingertips over your AV fistula or graft), swelling, or discomfort. Regular follow-up helps ensure the stent continues to work well.
Stent Evaluation and Placement at SKI Vascular Center
At SKI Vascular Center, our team specializes in treating failing or narrowed dialysis access using minimally invasive approaches. If your dialysis access is slowing down, difficult to use, or showing signs of narrowing, contact SKI Vascular today. Early treatment can protect your access and keep your dialysis treatments running smoothly.