When fistulas and grafts become clogged or narrowed, an Interventional Radiologist uses multiple techniques to correct the problem:
• Catheter directed thrombolysis- which involves injecting a medicine that dissolves blood clots that build up in fistulas and grafts.
• Catheter directed mechanical thrombectomy-where the clot is physically removed or macerated.
• Angioplasty and vascular stenting which use mechanical devices such as balloons and stents to keep fistulas and grafts patent.