Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas provide the most reliable access for hemodialysis. Clinical experience shows that AV fistulas last longer and need fewer repairs. Fistulas also have lower rates of infection, hospitalization and death than arteriovenous grafts and venous catheters. Currently in the United States, the utilization rate for fistulas is 45% of dialysis patients.

DPC joins in the support of the Fistula First Initiative and its mission for more patients on hemodialysis to use AV fistulas as their primary access. Through educating and training physicians and other healthcare workers and educating patients prior to kidney failure, Fistula First and DPC hope to encourage more patients to explore using a fistula as their vascular access. Increasing the use of fistulas will thus improve patient outcomes and reduce infection and hospitalization.