Dialysis patients at the BVI Health Services Authority will now benefit from the implementation of a Vascular Access Clinic.

Vascular access is a direct method of introducing medications or removing toxins from the blood stream.  The method is used to remove the patient’s blood, so that it can be filtered through the dialyzer.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Rodger Miller said, “The key to the successful management of chronic hemodialysis patients is through highly functioning vascular access. This clinic will provide monitoring and early detection of issues and complications with dialysis access.”

Dr. Miller said the aim of the clinic is to have regular and frequent evaluations of the vascular access of patients in an effort to prevent costly complications. “It is vital because without vascular access, there will be a build-up of toxins that would be detrimental to patients,” he added.

Hemodialysis patients attending the out-patient hemodialysis clinic will be assessed by a physician once every three months or earlier if necessary in an effort to maintain highly functioning vascular access.  A vascular access assessment tool will also be used to establish a baseline and the access will be tracked monthly.  Ultrasound studies will also be done every three months to tract the access or as needed if a problem is identified. Dialysis access issues identified by the physician will be referred to the Vascular Access Surgeon. The next Vascular Access Clinic will be on May 22.  

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare across the Territory.