Atrium Vascular Associates provides fistula and graft revision and salvage procedures to restore and protect dialysis access. Board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Dr. Sydney Wong carefully evaluates your condition and tailors treatment to maintain dialysis access.
Preserve and Extend the Life of Dialysis Access
Revisions and salvages are procedures used to correct problems with dialysis fistulas or grafts that are no longer working as they should. These issues may include narrowing, clotting, poor blood flow, or structural changes. The goal is to restore function, extend the life of your existing access, and avoid creating a new one whenever possible, using the most appropriate surgical or endovascular approach for your situation.
Why Do You Need Revisions and Salvages?
Dialysis fistulas and grafts are lifelines, but they can develop problems as your body changes and the access is used repeatedly. Narrowing, clotting, or reduced blood flow can limit how well your access works and may interfere with dialysis. Revisions and salvages are performed to identify and correct these issues early, which helps preserve your existing access and reduce the need for creating a new one. You may need revisions and salvages if:
- You notice decreased flow during dialysis sessions
- You experience frequent alarms on the dialysis machine
- You develop swelling, pain, or prolonged bleeding
- You are told your access is narrowing or clotting
- You have difficulty achieving adequate dialysis
Why Choose Dr. Sydney Wong?
Dr. Sydney Wong is a board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon with extensive experience managing complex dialysis access issues. He carefully evaluates why a fistula or graft is failing and then selects the most appropriate revision or salvage technique for your specific anatomy and dialysis needs. When revisions or salvage procedures are needed, he performs each procedure himself to restore function while preserving your long-term access.
What to Expect During Revisions and Salvages?
Your procedure begins with a careful review of your symptoms, dialysis history, and imaging. Depending on the issue, you may undergo a minimally invasive endovascular treatment, such as angioplasty or clot removal, or a targeted surgical revision. The area is numbed, and you are closely monitored throughout. Dr. Wong addresses the specific blockage or structural issue, restores blood flow, and confirms access function before you go home.
Benefits of Revisions and Salvages
When problems with a dialysis fistula or graft are addressed early, revisions and salvages can help protect your access and support consistent dialysis. These procedures focus on fixing the specific issue rather than starting over, offering several important advantages, including:
- Preserving your existing dialysis access
- Restoring adequate blood flow for effective treatment
- Reducing the need for new access creation
- Addressing problems before complete access failure
- Supporting more reliable and comfortable dialysis sessions
Revisions and Salvages FAQs
How Do You Know if Your Fistula or Graft is Failing?
You may notice warning signs such as reduced vibration (thrill), prolonged bleeding after dialysis, arm swelling, frequent machine alarms, or difficulty completing treatments. Sometimes, your dialysis team may detect the problem before you even experience any symptoms. Early evaluation is important, as timely revision can often prevent complete access failure.
Are Revisions and Salvages Always Surgical?
Not always. Some problems can be treated with minimally invasive endovascular techniques, such as balloon angioplasty or clot removal, performed through small punctures. In other cases, a surgical revision may be necessary. Dr. Wong evaluates your access and recommends the approach that best matches your anatomy, condition, and long-term needs.
Will I Need a New Fistula or Graft After a Salvage Procedure?
The goal of revisions and salvages is to preserve your existing access for as long as it remains safe and functional. Many patients can continue using the same fistula or graft after treatment. If the access cannot be safely restored, Dr. Wong will explain why and discuss next steps.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atrium Vascular Associates is committed to providing attentive, individualized care for dialysis access, from early evaluation through revision and salvage. Located in Richmond Hill, we proudly serve patients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. If you are experiencing issues with your fistula or graft, schedule a consultation with Dr. Wong today.
