Access for haemodialysis

Our current recommendation for access suggests the insertion of a tunnelled central venous line in all patients of all ages requiring haemodialysis.

For those older children in whom an early transplantation is not anticipated, formation of an arterio-venous fistula may be discussed and where possible formed in advance of commencing treatment.

This video from Great Ormond Street Hospital explains what a fistula is and shows what it is like to have one.