Dialysis Fistulagram
Your doctor has recommended you for a fistulagram. A fistula is a surgical connection between an artery and a vein. It is created to provide enough blood flow at the appropriate pressure to make hemodialysis effective and possible. This procedure is a study of your dialysis fistulas. It can detect problems like clots or narrowing. Marc L. Friedman, MD, Chief of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, heads our team of Interventional physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in these procedures.
Before Arriving for Your Procedure
You will be contacted the evening before regarding your scheduled arrival time.
If you have any question please call Interventional Radiology (310) 423-4125.
It is important that you not eat or drink anything six hours prior to your exam. Small sips of water may be taken along with your medications.
Please notify us if you are taking glucophage, insulin or a blood thinner.
Please also inform us of any allergies that you may have, especially to contrast materials.
Please bring a list of your medications with you to your exam.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
After Arriving
The technologist and physician will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have prior to your exam.
You will be asked to change into a gown and an IV will be started to deliver pain and sedation medication.
During Your Procedure
The Interventional Radiologist will insert a needle into your fistula, contrast will be injected and several x-ray images will be taken.
A fistulagram usually takes 1-2 hours to complete.
After Your Procedure
You will be taken to the recovery room where the catheters will be removed. The technologist or physician will apply pressure to the site to prevent bleeding.
You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC and MAC compatible CD, or a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts for your selection.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
