In Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis, access refers to the methods used to perform the dialysis function normally done by the kidneys. For PD, access consists of various types of long term, tunneled catheters placed in the peritoneal cavity. For HD, access refers to central vein catheters, AV grafts and AVF. In the context of Fistula dialysis, access refers to the procedure of placing the arterial and venous needles in the fistula vein. It can also refer to the process of placing a needle, sheath and wire into the fistula circuit as part of performing an Endovascular Procedure.
