Vascular Access Graft

An arteriovenous (AV) graft is a type of access used for hemodialysis. The graft is usually placed in the arm, but may be placed in the leg if necessary.  An AV graft is the connection of a vein and an artery that utilizes a hollow, synthetic tube (the actual “graft”).  One end of the tube is connected to an artery and the other end of the tube is connected to a vein.  This connection results in blood flowing from the high flow, high pressure artery through the graft and into the low flow, low pressure vein.  As a result the blood flow through the graft provides a flow rate that will deliver enough blood to provide an adequate hemodialysis treatment.