When a person’s kidneys fail and a kidney replacement therapy is needed, there are two options available: kidney replacement or dialysis. Advances in transplantation medicine allows patients with terminal kidney failure to lead a “normal” life again. But the waiting period for a kidney transplantation in Austria is 3,5 years. During this time the patient is dependent on dialysis therapy.

The most important factor for these patients is a well functioning dialysis access – peritoneal dialysis catheter or a vessel access – and this is often needed for many years. Placement of the access appears uncomplicated. Yet the terminology “access dysfunction” is well known by medical specialists and patients. These patients with peritoneal dialysis or central venous catheters know how devastating catheter infections can be in their lives.

Safeguarding dialysis access over a long period of time makes a complex, interdisciplinary management essential. This collaboration requires input from all disciplines: dialysis nursing, nephrology, surgery, radiology, angiology, infectious diseases, hygiene and industry.

This website was developed as a collaborative platform to promote discussion between medical professionals and specialists working with this patient group in order to improve their dialysis access.