Interventional Nephrology

Interventional Nephrologists are kidney doctors who specialize in the care and maintenance of vascular access for hemodialysis and peritoneal access for peritoneal dialysis. They have undergone specialized training to perform procedures on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis accesses. Among the procedures that they perform are placement, exchanges and removal of hemodialysis catheters, repositioning of peritoneal dialysis catheters, diagnostic fistulograms on hemodialysis grafts and fistulae, and angioplasties, stent placements and thrombectomies to maintain the function of hemodialysis accesses.

Patients are referred by their nephrologist and dialysis unit to BWFH Interventional Nephrology for planning the creation of a vascular access and when a problem in an existing vascular access is suspected.

The Interventional Nephrology department at BWFH is open six days per week in order to provide maximum access to our services. The physicians work closely with the vascular and transplant surgeons at BWH to coordinate surgical access procedures.

In addition to a well-trained and highly skilled group of physicians and nurses, the Interventional Nephrology department has state-of-the art equipment and is located on the first floor.

Types of Interventional Nephrology Procedures

• Vascular access evaluation: Physical exam and access mapping
  (Non-invasive renal artery stenosis ultrasound)
• Pre-operative vessel evaluation: Venogram and vessel ultrasound
• Dialysis access management of fistula and graft
  (Treatment of stenosis and thrombosis)
• Dialysis catheter management
  (Insertion, exchange, removal and repair)
• Vascular access small diameter tunneled catheter
  (For patients with low kidney function who should not have PICC lines)