AV Graft

An AV graft. A surgeon links an artery to a vein under the skin of your arm with a piece of synthetic or bovine (from a cow) vein. A graft is a second-best choice. Since it uses tissue that is not your own, a graft is more prone to infection and blood clots than a fistula. Grafts tend to need decluttering procedures and a new one must be placed every few years.

HD Catheter

An HD catheter. A catheter is a Y-shaped plastic tube. One end goes in a central vein in your chest and ends in your heart. The other two ends come out through the skin of your chest. Or, an HD catheter can be placed in a large vein in the groin. The biggest plus of an HD catheter is that it can be put in and used the same day. But, since catheters are a doorway into your body, the risk of infection—and death—is far higher. And, HD catheters can wear away your vein or cause narrow spots so you can’t have any other access on the same side. Catheters are best used for only a short time when possible.