radialcephalic

Radialcephalic refers to a surgical connection between a radial artery and a cephalic vein. This type of arteriovenous (AV) fistula is most commonly created for the purpose of providing vascular access for hemodialysis. The procedure involves surgically joining the radial artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart, to the cephalic vein, which carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Over time, the increased blood flow and pressure from the artery cause the vein to enlarge and thicken, creating a durable vessel suitable for repeated needle insertions required for dialysis treatments. Radialcephalic fistulas are considered a preferred method of vascular access due to their relatively low complication rates and good patency. They are typically created in the non-dominant arm to preserve the dominant arm for other uses. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure the fistula functions correctly and to detect any potential issues such as stenosis, thrombosis, or infection.