Venous Access and Dialysis Access Treatments
525 East 68th Street
New York, NY 10065
1283 York Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10065
2315 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10024
Our interventional radiologists provide expert care for venous access and dialysis access and care.
Venous Access
Venous access is a way of treating the body by administering medications or other therapies into the bloodstream, as well as creating an access point for dialysis treatment.
PICC placement: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a soft catheter (long, thin tube) that is inserted into a vein in your arm, leg or neck. The tip of the catheter is positioned in a large vein that carries blood into the heart. The PICC is used for long-term intravenous antibiotics, nutrition or medication and for blood draws.
Central line placement: A central line is used when you need drugs given through your veins during a long period of time (such as during a surgery) or if you need kidney dialysis. A central line is easier and less painful than needle injections.
Tunneled line placement: This refers to the placement of a catheter through the skin and into a vein. Once the catheter has been inserted, it will be tunneled under the skin for comfort and security. This allows doctors to administer treatments, such as dialysis.
Port placement: Often referred to as an artificial vein, this refers to the placement of a small device under the skin in the chest. This allows doctors to administer treatments, such as chemotherapy, directly into the bloodstream without the risk of damage to the veins in the arm.
Dialysis Access Fistulogram
During this minimally invasive procedure, your interventional radiologist will insert a catheter (long, thin tube) into the dialysis fistula (abnormal passageway between two parts of the body) or graft. The catheter will be advanced through the blood vessels. Depending on the results of the fistulogram, an angioplasty, stent placement or thrombolytic therapy may be performed.
Angioplasty: Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. Your interventional radiologist will insert a catheter (long, thin tube) with a small balloon attached into a small cut above the fistula or graft This will be threaded through the blood vessels to the area affected by narrowing. The balloon will be inflated and deflated several times to widen the vessel and remove the blockage. The catheter is then removed. Typically, this procedure takes an hour.
Stenting: During the angioplasty procedure, your doctor may also perform a procedure called “stenting.” A stent is a mesh metal tube that supports the vessel for healthy blood flow for dialysis. The stent will remain in place after the procedure.
Thrombolytic therapy: Sometimes called a “declot,” this procedure may take place during the fistulogram. During this procedure, your doctor uses a catheter with a tool attached to mechanically break up the clot and deliver medication directly to the clot to break it up.