Intermediate
Technical
IVT
vascular access
Surgically created connection between arteries and veins for hemodialysis or long-term vascular procedures.
Full Definition
Vascular access refers to surgically constructed pathways that provide reliable, repeated entry into the vascular system, most commonly for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease. These accesses include arteriovenous fistulas, arteriovenous grafts, and central venous catheters. Proper vascular access planning and maintenance is crucial for patient survival and quality of life, requiring careful consideration of vessel anatomy, patient factors, and long-term patency expectations. Access procedures represent a significant subspecialty within vascular surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "A left radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula was created for permanent vascular access." — operative report
- "The patient's vascular access required revision due to stenosis at the venous anastomosis." — clinical documentation
Also known as
dialysis access
hemodialysis access
Don't confuse with
central line
peripheral IV access