Dialysis Technician Training – Second AV Fistula Care Workshop
📍 Oriana Hospital, Varanasi
📅 April 28, 2024
👥 45 Dialysis Technicians from Across Varanasi
Led by: Dr. Himanshu Verma & the AVF Care Team, Fortis Gurugram
As part of our ongoing AV Fistula Care Workshop series, a dedicated hands-on training session was held for dialysis technicians on April 28, 2024, at Oriana Hospital, Varanasi. Led by Dr. Himanshu Verma, Co-founder of AVF Care and Director – Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at Fortis Gurugram, this session aimed to strengthen the practical knowledge of technicians involved in AV access cannulation and day-to-day dialysis procedures.
A total of 45 dialysis technicians from multiple dialysis units and hospitals across Varanasi attended this workshop.
What Technicians Were Taught
The session was designed to equip technicians with critical AV access handling skills and real-world application techniques.
Topics Covered:
- Understanding types of AV access:
- BCF (Brachiocephalic Fistula)
- RCF (Radiocephalic Fistula)
- AV Grafts
- BCF (Brachiocephalic Fistula)
- When to start cannulation after AVF creation
- How to assess access maturity: checking for thrill, pulse, and elasticity
- Correct cannulation techniques for AVFs and grafts
- Complication management:
- What to do in case of bleeding, hematoma, thrill loss, swelling, allergic reactions
- Early recognition of signs of stenosis or infection
- What to do in case of bleeding, hematoma, thrill loss, swelling, allergic reactions
- Use of stethoscope to monitor bruit and detect narrowing or blockage
- When to escalate to the nephrologist or vascular surgeon
- Best practices in documentation and team communication
Dr. Verma emphasized that technicians are the frontline protectors of AV access, and their role is critical in detecting and preventing complications early.
Interactive Q&A + Rewards
The session included an open Q&A round, where technicians were encouraged to ask clinical questions and discuss challenges they face during dialysis shifts.
- Several case-based questions were asked
- 3–4 technicians were awarded prizes for giving the most accurate and confident answers
Completion & Certification
All participating technicians received:
- A Certificate of Participation from the AVF Care Workshop
- Printed guidelines summarizing AV access care protocols
- Mentorship access for future reference and escalation support
- Light dinner and networking time with other dialysis teams
Feedback from Participants
Technicians expressed their appreciation for this focused, real-world, skill-based session, which helped clear doubts and reinforce correct practices. Many said they felt more confident in handling AV access safely and understood better when and how to act during complications.
“I’ve been working for years, but no one explained it like this before. I now understand what to feel, what to hear, and what to report.”
– A dialysis technician, post-workshop
Why This Matters
AV access can fail silently if not handled properly. Training dialysis technicians ensures patients receive safer, smarter, and more responsive care during every dialysis session. This workshop helped bridge the gap between protocols and practice.
