AV fistula creation & maintenance.
The gold-standard dialysis access — minimally invasive creation and ongoing maintenance, in same-day office procedures built to last for years.
- OUTPATIENT
- 1–2 HOURS
- LOCAL ANESTHESIA
- MINOR INCISION
- INSURANCE COVERED
Why fistulas are the gold standard
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, typically in the forearm. The high-pressure arterial flow strengthens the vein wall over time, building an access point sturdy enough to withstand large needles three times a week for years.
Compared to grafts and catheters, fistulas have the lowest infection rate, the longest patency (working lifespan), and the best long-term outcomes.
They're the preferred access for almost every patient who has the vessel anatomy to support one — which is why nephrology guidelines recommend creating a fistula as early as possible in patients heading toward dialysis.
Dr. Anton creates fistulas as an outpatient procedure right here in Pompano Beach. No hospital admission, no general anesthesia — and the team that creates the fistula is the team that maintains it.
From planning to first cannulation
A specialist who owns the full lifecycle
Most dialysis patients see one surgeon to create their access and a different team to maintain it. At Florida Vascular Care, Dr. Anton does both. That continuity means he knows your anatomy from day one — and when something needs an angioplasty or declot, he knows exactly where to look.
With over 20 years caring for kidney patients, including UNOS-certified transplant nephrology training, Dr. Anton understands what dialysis takes out of a person. Every choice about access — site, timing, type — is made with your overall kidney journey in mind.
Recovery and beyond
The procedure itself is short — you'll be in the office a few hours total and home the same day. You'll feel mild soreness and see some bruising for a week. Most patients are back to normal activity within 2–3 days, avoiding heavy lifting with the access arm.
Maturation — the period when the vein enlarges and toughens — takes 6–12 weeks. We coach you on exercises to help, watch ultrasound progress at follow-up visits, and intervene early if maturation stalls.
answers?