AV Fistula Surgeries and Types

These resources can help you learn how AV fistulas are created, and what to expect from the surgery:

Navigating the Vascular "SEAS" - Self-Assessment Exam of Access - Simplified
Illustrated, 26-page patient guide explains fistula, graft, and catheter placement in detail. From ESRD Network 12 (the Heartland Kidney Network).

Phase 2: AAKP Patient Plan
57-page book, Access and Initiation, gives a detailed overview of fistula placement, from choosing the site to deciding the best choice if a problem occurs on pages 5-6. From the AAKP.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arterial Venous Fistulas (AVF)
2-page fact sheet describes fistula surgery, vs. graft surgery or catheter placement. From the Heartland Kidney Network (formerly ESRD Network 12).

Kidney School Module 8 - Vascular Access: A Lifeline for Dialysis
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Illustrated, 27-page module describes fistula, graft, and catheter placement procedures, including descriptions of the surgery from people who have had it done. From Life Options' Kidney School (MEI).