Fistulagram
What is a Fistulagram?
For patients on dialysis due to kidney failure, a fistula (the artificial joining of an artery and vein) is often created to provide access for dialysis. Over time, this fistula can become blocked or clogged and need to be cleaned out in order to restore blood flow and continue dialysis. A Fistulagram is a procedure that uses a special X-ray to help identify which of these blood vessels are narrowed or blocked. Once the vessel is open, angioplasty with or without vascular stenting may be performed to keep it open.