This means that dialysis patients need consistent, effective and permanent vascular access, which can be achieved through Surgical Arteriovenous (AV) Fistulas, a surgery that involves sewing together an artery and a vein, usually in the wrist or elbow area. This creates a larger tougher vein that can tolerate multiple needle punctures which are needed for dialysis.

To overcome this, Dr Maryam Al Rayes, CEO of Dubai Hospital said that doctors from Interventional Radiology Cath Lab at Dubai Hospital introduced a new procedure, the PEAFC which is percutaneous, meaning that access to inner organs or other tissue is done via needle-puncture of the skin, rather than by using an “open” approach where inner organs or tissue are exposed.

Suad Karam, Director of Clinical Support Services, added that Dubai Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the Middle East to provide this service

Dr Ayman Saleh, Head of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Dubai Hospital, who performed four successful procedures using this method said: “We wouldn’t have succeeded in introducing this technique without the full support of our doctors, nurses, technicians, and Dubai Hospital’s medical management, who always encourage the utilisation of latest technologies and techniques to improve patient’s wellness.

Dr Amna AlHadari, Consultant and Head of Nephrology Department at Dubai Hospital, said that Endovascular AV fistula creation is now available for all patients.