Gurugram: Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, has set up an AV Fistula Care Clinic focused on improving the management of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, which are crucial for patients undergoing dialysis. The clinic is designed to support early intervention and ongoing care to help reduce complications associated with vascular access.

As part of the initiative, a National AV Fistula Masterclass was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Himanshu Verma, Director – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery. Over 160 dialysis technicians from across the country attended the session, which addressed common clinical challenges such as cannulation difficulties and undetected complications in AV access.

Typically, patients meet vascular surgeons only after facing issues like blocked fistulas or puncture failures. The clinic aims to change this approach by offering timely assessments and consultations. Dr. Verma has introduced the Self AV Fistula Examination, which allows patients to routinely monitor their vascular access at home.

Dr. Himanshu Verma said,

“At Fortis, we believe that protecting a patient’s vascular access is not just a procedure, it is the foundation of their survival. Through this clinic, we are shifting from reactive treatments to preventive empowerment, helping patients lead healthier and longer lives. Dialysis patients often suffer due to avoidable complications like blocked access, infections, or delayed interventions—all tied to poor vascular access management.

The AV Fistula Clinic aims to change this by offering prompt access to vascular surgeons, preventive monitoring to reduce the incidence of serious complications, fistula preservation strategies for longer access survival, and improved dialysis session quality through better-functioning fistulas. By shifting the model from reactive to proactive care, the clinic ensures that vascular access is no longer the weak link in dialysis management—ultimately enhancing both patient outcomes and quality of life.”

The clinic also includes training for dialysis technicians, especially in managing complex AVF punctures. Plans are underway to expand support services to include mental health care, dietary counseling, and exercise programs.

Yash Rawat, Facility Director at Fortis Gurugram, said,

“The launch of the Fistula Clinic marks a significant step towards providing focused, advanced care for a condition that affects the quality of life for many. Overall, the clinic improves the efficiency of dialysis care and instills confidence in patients that their vascular access is being proactively managed. Through leadership initiatives like these, Fortis Memorial Research Institute continues to set national standards for patient-centered innovation in dialysis care — delivering excellence through vision, compassion, and clinical expertise.”

The AV Fistula Care Clinic is intended to help patients receive timely consultations and reduce the risk of emergency interventions through early detection and management of vascular access problems.

Kanchan Chaurasiya
Kanchan Chaurasiya

Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Intern. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. She has a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends. At Medical Dialogues, Kanchan manages social media and also creates web stories to enhance mobile content reach and audience engagement.