Fistulogram and declot (or declotting) are two of the most common vascular procedures. They use diagnostic imaging and other advanced procedures to identify clogged or narrowed blood vessels and restore proper blood flow. At Advanced Vascular Institute, in Panama City, Florida, Ahmed Farag, MD, provides fistulogram and declotting procedures. Call Advanced Vascular Institute, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online today.
What is a fistulogram/declot procedure?
Fistulogram/declot can refer to several procedures, including:
Fistulogram-sinogram
A fistulogram-sinogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses fluoroscopy to look for a fistula (an abnormal connection between a blood vessel and an organ). Identifying a fistula’s location allows Dr. Farag to repair the connection, reducing your risk of complications.
Fistula/graft declotting
A fistula/graft declotting procedure connects an artificial blood vessel to an artery or a vein. People with kidney disease often need to undergo this procedure so they can participate in kidney dialysis.
How do I prepare for a fistulogram/declot procedure?
Before recommending a fistulogram/declot procedure, Dr. Farag reviews your medical records and completes a physical exam. Tell him about all of the vitamins, supplements, and medications you take. Certain drugs, like blood thinners, increase the risk of surgical complications, so you might need to stop taking them leading up to your procedure.
Dr. Farag might ask you to fast before treatment, depending on the procedure you’re undergoing. If you have any questions or concerns, bring them up during your consultation. Dr. Farag explains the treatment process in depth so you know what to expect.
How does a fistulogram/declot procedure work?
Fistulogram-sinogram and fistula/graft declotting are different procedures. Here’s what to expect:
Fistulogram-sinogram
During this procedure, you change into a hospital gown and lie down on an X-ray table. Dr. Farag administers a mild anesthetic to help you relax and injects a contrast dye into your affected artery or vein. The contrast material causes your artery or vein to appear in the X-rays. After Dr. Farag identifies the fistula, he moves you to an observation room.
Fistula/graft declotting
There are two types of fistula/graft declotting: angioplasty and vascular stenting and catheter thrombolysis.
During angioplasty and vascular stenting, you lie down on an exam table. Dr. Farag administers a local anesthetic to help you relax and makes a small incision in your skin at the treatment site. He inserts a small tube, called a sheath, into your fistula or graft.
Then, he uses X-ray imaging to guide the sheath to the blockage inside your vein or artery. After identifying the site of the blockage, Dr. Farag inserts a small balloon into the sheath and inflates it. Inflating the balloon restores blood flow through the blockage.
Dr. Farag deflates the balloon and replaces it with a small mesh device called a stint. The stint remains permanently in place, restoring circulation to the area.
During catheter thrombolysis, Dr. Farag inserts a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) through your skin and into the clotted fistula or graft. He then removes the blockage with surgical tools or clot-dissolving medication. Once the clot is gone and blood flow is restored, Dr. Farag removes the catheter, closes the incision, and moves you to a recovery room.
Call Advanced Vascular Institute, LLC, to learn more about fistulogram/declot procedures, or book your appointment online today.