Fistulogram - UAB Medicine

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Fistulogram

A fistulogram is a test to look for abnormal areas in the dialysis graft or arterio-venous fistula that may be causing problems with dialysis. These may include areas of blocked veins or arteries (occlusion), abnormal narrowing (stenosis), or areas of abnormal enlargement (pseudoaneurysm). A fistulogram is safe, commonly performed procedure. Patients will be asked not to eat for six hours prior to the minimally invasive test, which lasts less than one hour. Sedation and pain control is available if needed. A small tube (catheter) is placed in the graft. X-ray dye is injected and radiographic pictures (the fistulogram) are taken of the area. The pressure in the graft is measured because high pressures can alert us to significant abnormalities. If abnormal narrowing is seen, it is usually treated by stretching the narrowed area open with the inflation of a small balloon in the graft (angioplasty). If the angioplasty is unsuccessful, the graft will need to be opened by a surgeon. Sometimes a stent may be placed to help keep the narrowed area open. At the end of the procedure the catheter is removed and pressure is held over the puncture site.It is important to have a responsible adult to drive you home

Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, and it is an integral part of comprehensive patient care. The UAB Medicine interventional radiology team is a dedicated group of skilled, innovative health care professionals who are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients.

The group uses the latest and most advanced technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans, to treat tumors as well as peripheral arterial, venous, urologic, and hepatobiliary diseases. Each of our five dedicated angiography suites has the full range of imaging technology needed for complex procedures, along with the latest in patient monitoring and documentation systems. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can provide access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area.