India’s First AV Fistula Care Clinic Launched – Designed and Led by Dr. Himanshu Verma Launched at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram With a mission to transform dialysis access care in India, Dr. Himanshu Verma, Director – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, has launched the country’s first dedicated AV Fistula Care Clinic at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. This one-of-its-kind initiative is built entirely on his vision of early intervention, patient empowerment, and long-term AV access preservation — and was officially launched during the hospital’s annual AVF Care Workshop. Know More: India’s First AV Fistula Care Clinic – Full Story For dialysis patients, the AV fistula isn’t just a line — it’s a lifeline. And for the first time in India, there is now a clinic solely dedicated to protecting that lifeline. The AV Fistula Care Clinic is personally designed, initiated, and led by Dr. Himanshu Verma — a vascular and endovascular surgeon who has long recognized the need for proactive access management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) care. This specialized clinic represents a paradigm shift: from reactive treatment after access failure… to preventive action and preservation from day one. What is an AV Fistula Care Clinic? The AV Fistula Care Clinic is a specialized outpatient service that offers: Early AV access planning for patients beginning dialysis Regular AV fistula or graft checkups using clinical assessment and stethoscope evaluation Self AV Fistula Examination training – empowering patients & Dialysis technician to monitor their own access daily Immediate vascular surgeon consultation in case of warning signs like poor thrill, sound changes, or swelling Preservation strategies to extend the lifespan of the access A future roadmap including diet support, physiotherapy, and mental healthcare Why This Matters In India, many patients only meet a vascular surgeon when their access has already failed. By then, they face: Emergency procedures Temporary catheter use Increased risk of infection and hospitalisation This clinic changes that — offering timely, accessible, and patient-centered care that can reduce complications and improve dialysis outcomes. The Vision Behind the Clinic “This clinic was created to stop preventable suffering. If we act early, educate well, and empower our patients and technicians, we can avoid emergencies and help patients live longer, healthier lives.” — Dr. Himanshu Verma A Celebration of Courage: Patient Felicitation The evening concluded with a heartfelt felicitation ceremony honouring patients who have been on dialysis for 10, 15, 20, and even 25+ years. It was a rare and moving moment — made even more special by the caregivers of deceased CKD patients returning to honour others still on the journey. Launch of New Innovations Two important products were also launched during the event: Ayusynk Digital Stethoscope – a smart tool to help technicians and patients hear and interpret access sounds more accurately Dialysis-appropriate clothing line – designed for comfort, quick access, and dignity during sessions The day ended on a light note with stand-up comedian Manish Tyagi, bringing laughter and connection to the healthcare space. Media Coverage This national milestone received widespread media attention: Print Media: Offline Navodaya Times (Page 1) Kaustubh Express (Page 1) Tahalka Jazba Dev Kesari Gurgaon Mail (Page 7) Hind Prahari (Page 2) Hunkar Media (Page 2) Online Media: online Medical Dialogues Drug Today Total Khabre India Now 24 Time Khabar Now Conclusion The launch of the AV Fistula Care Clinic is not just a milestone for Fortis Gurugram — it’s a transformational step for dialysis care across India. By shifting the focus from complication management to early detection, technician empowerment, and patient participation, Dr. Himanshu Verma’s initiative is redefining how we care for vascular access. It reflects a larger truth: that healthcare is not just about treating illness — it’s about anticipating needs, preventing suffering, and empowering lives. This clinic is now open and operational, offering a new level of care to dialysis patients — not just in Gurugram, but soon, as a model for many cities to follow.
Fortis Gurugram Launches AV Fistula Care Clinic for Dialysis Patients
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.
