PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT

To prepare for your visit to the center:
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time. This will allow you enough time to complete the in-take process and relax before your procedure. If you are going to be late or are unable to make your appointment, please call and let us know. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment for a date and time that fits your schedule
  • If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call 480-610-6152 to reschedule. Contact any of our physicians at the vascular center if you have any questions
  • Dress comfortably and wear loose-fitting clothes. You will need to change into a hospital gown for your procedure. We ask that you do not wear any makeup or nail polish to your appointment
  • Bring your insurance card(s) with you to your appointment
  • Do not bring any valuables with you. Lockers are available for your personal belongings, but we recommend that you leave your jewelry and other valuables at home
  • You must have someone with you who can drive you home. You may be given medication that will make you drowsy
  • Do not eat or drink anything within eight hours of your procedure (except vessel mapping)
  • If applicable, do not take insulin or other diabetic medications on the morning of the procedure but do check your blood sugar. Contact your physician immediately with any concerns related to your blood sugar. Other morning medications can be taken with a sip of water.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED FOR HEMODIALYSIS OR CATHETER INSERTION: 
  • Stop taking any blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin three days prior to the procedure
  • Stop taking Plavix five days prior to the procedure.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED FOR VESSEL MAPPING: 
  • Avoid all products that contain nicotine (cigarettes, chewing tobacco) for 30 minutes to two hours before the test.

WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE: 
  • When you arrive you will meet with a nurse and complete the necessary paperwork
  • Your access will be examined, your vital signs (blood pressure, etc.) will be taken and your medical history will be reviewed
  • The physician performing your procedure will discuss the best choices of medication with you to make you comfortable during the procedure. We recommend patients who receive sedation not drive for at least 24 hours following their procedure
  • Your treatment will take place in a sterile procedure room specifically designed to manage End-Stage Renal Disease patients and their access site issues
  • Most procedures take less than 45 minutes, but be advised that some may take longer
  • After a short recovery, you will be given instructions for follow-up care
  • Upon discharge, you will be able to return home and resume your normal schedule and dialysis treatment
  • Having your access repaired quickly is very important to your health and well-being. If you need transportation, we can help you make arrangements. If you require a dialysis treatment after your access procedure, our staff will help arrange for your return to the dialysis center.