A fistulagram is an X-ray procedure that uses contrast (x-ray dye) to look at the blood flow in your fistula and check for blood clots or narrowing (stenosis) in your fistula.

A dialysis catheter is a catheter used for exchanging blood to and from a hemodialysis machine and a patient. The dialysis catheter contains two lumens: venous and arterial. A lumen is an inner space within the catheter.

An AV fistula is a connection of an artery to a vein. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the body, while veins carry blood from the body back to the heart. The surgeon usually places an AV fistula in the forearm or upper arm. An AV fistula causes extra pressure and extra blood to flow into the vein, making it grow large and strong. The larger vein provides easy, reliable access to blood vessels. Without this kind of access, regular hemodialysis sessions would not be possible.

Revision A-V Fistula is a minor surgery to modify or improve the function of a dialysis fistula. The objective is to prolong the working life of a fistula before it fails.

A venogram is a test that allows your doctor see the veins in your body, especially in your legs. A special dye is injected that can be seen on an X-ray. A venogram is used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other abnormalities of your veins.

Endovenous ablation treats varicose veins in the superficial venous system. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under conscious sedation. Using ultrasound, your surgeon will guide a catheter into the diseased vein through a micro incision made in the skin. Radiofrequency delivers heat to the vein wall through the catheter. As the thermal energy is delivered, the vein wall shrinks, and the vein is sealed closed. This causes the blood to re-route to other healthy veins. 

Following the procedure, a small bandage is placed over the insertion site and additional compression may be provided to aid healing. The average patient typically resumes normal activity within a few days.

The VenaSeal system improves blood flow by sealing or closing the diseased vein. The system delivers a small amount of a specially formulated medical adhesive to the diseased vein. The adhesive seals the vein and blood is rerouted through nearby healthy veins.

Excision is a technique used to remove varicose veins. Several tiny cuts are made in the skin, through which the varicosed vein is removed. Excision may be used along with other treatments and is performed on an out-patient basis.  

A port-a-cath is a device used to draw blood and give treatments, including intravenous fluids, drugs, or blood transfusions. The port is placed under the skin, usually in the chest. It is attached to a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is guided (threaded) into a large vein above the right side of the heart called the superior vena cava. A port-a-cath may stay in place for many weeks or months. A needle is inserted through the skin into the port to draw blood or give fluids. Also called port.

A Hickman line is a central venous catheter most often used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medications, as well as for the withdrawal of blood for analysis. Some types are used mainly for the purpose of apheresis or dialysis. Hickman lines may remain in place for extended periods and are used when long-term intravenous access is required.