Dialysis Access

UMMC's dialysis access clinics serve patients who are on or are planning to begin long-term therapy to replace failing kidney function (peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis). Before they can begin, these types of dialysis require a procedure to create dialysis access, which is performed by a vascular surgeon.

First our medical professionals will consult with you at UM Vascular Center at Redwood or one of the other consultation locations listed below. Then, your procedure for creating access or managing issues with your current dialysis access can be scheduled at one of our surgical locations, depending on the issue.

Why Choose UMMC Dialysis Access?

Convenience: We offer next-day, and in some cases same-day, appointments.

Care: Our experienced physicians and nurse coordinators help you evaluate all of your treatment options. We help you and your physicians make dialysis work as long as possible and prepare for kidney transplant, if appropriate.

Better outcomes: Since we began our program, we have seen a significant drop in the number of patients using temporary catheters for hemodialysis. Permanent access for this type dialysis helps avoid the complications of temporary catheters, including clogs and infections.

UM Dialysis Access Services

We offer full-service assessment and management for both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis for patients with kidney failure. Our services include:

Hemodialysis

• Surgical placement of new fistula or graft
• Urgent blood clot removal
• Surgical repair of your fistula or graft
• Placement of a tunneled catheter
• Imaging-guided assessment and treatment of dysfunctional fistula or graft
• Assessment and treatment of vascular access steal syndrome

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Surgical placement of a catheter
• Surgical revision, repositioning or removal of catheter

Become a Patient at Our Dialysis Access Clinic

To become a patient at our dialysis access clinics, ask:

• Your primary care doctor or kidney specialist about a referral to our clinic.
• Your dialysis unit to refer you, if you need permanent access or you are having trouble with your current permanent access.

With either route, it is not necessary to receive a temporary catheter before coming to us. Ideally, patients receive permanent access to start instead of a temporary catheter.

UMMC Dialysis Access Locations

The University of Maryland dialysis access team brings consultation services and treatment to patients at several convenient locations. Appointments can be made for all locations by calling 667-214-1592.

Consultation and Treatment

UM Vascular Center at Redwood
419 W. Redwood, Suite 240
Baltimore, MD 21201

Vascular Center at Midtown
821 North Eutaw Street, Suite 214
Baltimore MD 2120

University of Maryland Medical Center
22 S. Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Consultation Only

University of Maryland Transplant Center at Easton
219 South Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601

University of Maryland Specialty Care at Pembrooke Square
11340 Pembrooke Square
Suite 202
Waldorf, MD 20603

UM Faculty Physicians, Inc. at Waterloo Crossing
5900 Waterloo Road
Columbia, MD 21045

Dialysis access clinic staff also works closely with nephrologists and local dialysis units to coordinate interventional radiology services. These partnerships allow surgeons to remove clots from access sites and fix access sites that have become too narrow.