1. Arteriovenous catheters are the lifeline for blood patients and must maintain normal function.
2. You should develop the habit of checking blood vessels daily and evaluate intravascular flow regularly.
3. The arteriovenous catheter arm is prohibited from measuring blood pressure, giving injections, drawing blood, and lifting heavy objects.
4.  If hematoma occurs due to intermittent use, ice compress can be used after the hematoma occurs, and hot compress can be used after 24-36 hours.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery is done by a cardiothoracic surgeon to create an access that is made by joining an artery and vein in your arm. This procedure increases blood flow and dilate the veins. Typically, surgery is performed on the non-dominant arm (usually the left hand). Refer to the anatomical diagram of the arteriovenous fistula.

1.  A preoperative evaluation of the patient’s blood vessels and a discussion of surgical treatment will done by a cardiothoracic surgeon. The physician will then decide whether to use the patient's own blood vessels or to implant artificial blood vessels. Postoperative care is similar for both types of vascular surgeries. The cardiothoracic surgeon will schedule the surgery date and determine the method. 1
2. The arm prepared for surgery should refrain from drawing blood , intravenous injections and blood pressure measurements.
3. If there are no specific requirements before surgery, normal dieting is allowed. However, if the procedure involves general anesthesia, it is important that one day before surgery you should refrain from eating and drinking after midnight.
4. Necessities after surgery include: one triangular bandage, a soft tennis ball to train the arteriovenous fistula, and two tourniquets for post dialysis treatment.
   
   

1.  Keep the wound dressing clean and dry.
2. Elevate the arm with a pillow when lying down, to keep it at the same level as the heart. This helps promote blood circulation to the surgical site and prevents swelling in the extremities.
3. If the wound shows redness, swelling, heat, oozing blood or if the fingers of the affected limb become swollen, numb, painful or discolored, inform healthcare professionals immediately. Do not self-administer medication or apply pressure to the surgical wound.
4. After the cardiothoracic surgeon evaluates the status wound healing, the hand gripping exercises can begin the third day after surgery. The exercise involves squeezing a ball with the hand, holding the grip for five seconds (counts silently), and then releasing it. Repeat these movements for approximately 15 minutes, three to four times a day (refer to Figure 2).
   
   
          Figure 2 Grip exercise.(Source: Generated by AI)
   
   
5.  Keep the wound dressing dry and avoid contact with water to prevent infection. If there are stitches, the physician will remove them approximately 10-14 days after the surgery, and wound closure strips will be applied to the wound

1. Keep the wound clean and maintain good hygiene. Avoid drawing blood, receiving injections, or measuring blood pressure on the surgical site. Do not lift heavy objects, apply forceful impact, excessively bend the joint, wear tight clothing, or use accessories that may compress the wound. Also, avoid placing the arm under a pillow to prevent impaired blood flow or vascular obstruction.
2. After each dialysis session, cover the site with gauze and apply pressure with a tourniquet for 5 to 10 minutes, then slightly loosen it while continuing to apply pressure for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on individual conditions, to prevent bleeding.
3. If a hematoma occurs due to needle puncture, presenting as pain or bruising, apply a cold compress initially to prevent further bleeding, and then switch to warm compresses after 24 to 36 hours, but only after evaluation by a physician.
4. Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infection; avoid rubbing or scratching the fistula arm to prevent skin damage and infection, and after the wound has healed, continue to keep the arm clean and the surrounding skin intact.
5. During dialysis treatment, applying far-infrared therapy to an autogenous arteriovenous fistula three times per week for about 40 minutes each session may help increase the vessel diameter and reduce pain.
   

1. After discharge, it is important to have a daily habit of checking the blood vessels. Normal fistula function can be felt with a pulsating sensation and a "swishing" sound (indicating functionality). Observe any changes in skin color (indicating inflammation). If there is redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discoloration at the puncture site, seek medical attention immediately. Do not self-administer medications or apply topical treatments without consulting a healthcare professional.
2.  Avoid lifting heavy objects with the access limb. Avoid sleeping on the access arm.
3. If symptoms of infection appear or you lose the pulsation or swishing sound, seek immediate medical attention.

1. 陳範宇、林志慶（2023）·遠紅外線治療改善血液透析血管通路功能及預後·臨床學月刊91(6)396-399 。 https://doi.org/10.6666/ClinMed.202306_91(6).0065
2. Dilbilir, Y., & Kavurmaci, M. (2024). Determining the effect of arteriovenous fistula care training on the self-care behaviors of hemodialysis patients. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, 28(6), 893–903.
3. Huang, S., Liu, X., Liu, Y., & Liu, D. (2025). Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding arteriovenous fistulas among uremic patients undergoing haemodialysis in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 15(2), e089844. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089844
4. Natti Krishna, V., Tiwary, B., Nayak, M. N., Patel, N., Gandhi, P., & Majumdar, P. (2024). Knowledge of arteriovenous fistula care in patients with end-stage kidney disease in south Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chronic illness, 20(1), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953231167378