Patients in the Natchitoches area requiring hemodialysis now have access to advanced vascular procedures close to home thanks to new surgical options offered by Dr. Steven Jackson at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.
For individuals undergoing dialysis, reliable vascular access is essential to effective treatment. Traditionally, many patients rely on temporary catheters, which can increase the risk of infection and other complications. Dr. Jackson is now providing advanced surgical solutions designed to create more permanent, safer, and more effective dialysis access at NRMC.
Two primary options are now available at NRMC: arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and arteriovenous (AV) grafts, both designed to provide durable access for dialysis treatment.
An AV fistula is created by surgically connecting an artery to a vein, most commonly in the arm. This connection strengthens the vein and improves blood flow, creating a reliable access point for dialysis treatments. While fistulas generally require several weeks to mature before use, they are often considered the preferred long-term option due to their durability, effectiveness, and lower risk of infection compared to temporary catheters.
For patients whose veins may not be suitable for a fistula, Dr. Jackson also offers AV graft procedures. This option uses a specialized synthetic graft to connect an artery and vein, providing another effective pathway for dialysis access. AV grafts often become usable sooner than fistulas and can be an important option for patients with more complex vascular needs.
In addition to creating new dialysis access, Dr. Jackson can also treat malfunctioning fistulas and grafts through minimally invasive procedures designed to restore blood flow or improve access performance when issues arise. These interventions can help patients avoid interruptions in treatment and extend the life of their dialysis access.
“These procedures help reduce dependence on temporary dialysis catheters while improving long-term access for patients,” said Dr. Steven Jackson. “The goal is to provide safer, more effective dialysis treatment while helping improve quality of life for patients managing chronic kidney disease.”
According to NRMC, permanent vascular access options such as AV fistulas and grafts generally provide better blood flow for dialysis, lower infection risks, and greater long-term reliability than temporary catheters, helping patients maintain more consistent treatment over time.
“At NRMC, we are committed to expanding access to advanced specialty care so patients can receive high-quality treatment close to home,” said Kirk Soileau, Chief Executive Officer of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. “Offering these vascular access procedures locally through Dr. Steven Jackson helps ensure our dialysis patients have access to the care they need without having to travel outside our community.”
By expanding access to advanced vascular procedures locally, NRMC continues its commitment to bringing specialized care and advanced treatment options closer to home for patients across Natchitoches Parish and surrounding communities.