A dialysis fistulogram involves the placement of one or more catheters into your dialysis graft/fistula. Some numbing medicine is injected in the skin over the graft/fistula before the catheter is inserted. Intravenous medications may also be given to you to make you more comfortable and relaxed. This is known as conscious sedation.

Once the catheter has been placed into the graft/fistula, it will be advanced through the blood vessels. During this time, x-ray contrast material (x-ray dye) will be injected through the catheter and x-ray pictures taken. Depending on the results of the fistulogram, an angioplasty, stent placement, or thrombolytic therapy may be performed. At the completion of the fistulogram, the catheter(s) will be removed and pressure will be applied to the insertion site(s) until the bleeding has stopped.