Establishing an interventional nephrology suite

Procedures related to dialysis access are best performed in a center or suite designated specifically for that purpose. The facility can either be within a hospital or be a free-standing unit. Feasibility depends largely on the size of the end-stage renal disease population. Alternatives include existing interventional radiology or cardiac catheterization suites. Success of a dialysis access center requires attention to proper physician training, design, staffing, equipment and supplies, and regulations related to procedures, licensing for fluoroscopy, privileges for sedation, and outcome assessment. A successful dialysis access center improves the management of dialysis access and allows the nephrologist to function more efficiently.