Ace the Certified Hemodialysis Technician Exam 2026 – Transform Lives with Your Expertise!

Using a graft for dialysis access does present several challenges, with a notable concern being its susceptibility to stenosis. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the blood vessel within the graft, which can impede blood flow and lead to complications such as clotting or malfunction of the access site. This tendency toward stenosis is particularly important because it may require additional interventions, such as angioplasty or surgical revision, to restore adequate blood flow for effective dialysis.

In contrast, other access options like fistulas typically have lower rates of complications such as stenosis and generally provide a more durable solution for long-term dialysis. While grafts can be easier to place than fistulas and may initially seem appealing due to their relative accessibility in certain patient populations, the long-term management issues associated with stenosis can diminish those advantages. Thus, the high incidence of stenosis in grafts is a significant drawback that healthcare providers must consider when determining the most appropriate vascular access for patients undergoing dialysis.