Navigating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires timely vascular access care, so blood can be effectively filtered and returned to the body.
Endeavor Health’s Vascular Access Center (VAC) is a unique, patient-focused model offering the most advanced care for ESRD patients. Located at Endeavor Health Skokie Hospital, the Center delivers prompt, highly specialized care that ensures patients are able to receive lifesaving dialysis on schedule.
Timely vascular access procedures
“We serve patients who are very sick and often at high-risk who need timely, critical care,” said Sebouh Gueyikian, MD, Chief of Interventional Radiology at Endeavor Health.
The experienced, compassionate team of caregivers at the VAC can quickly intervene to help patients dealing with venous access issues that would otherwise delay their dialysis treatment.
From diagnostic exams to dialysis access management and venous access catheter placement, the VAC is dedicated to fully serving this growing patient population.
Specialized team
Not only does the Center help patients avoid long waits in Emergency Departments, it is also staffed by board-certified, fellowship trained interventional radiologists and specially-trained nurses and staff who are focused on dialysis patients.
Experts in minimally-invasive vascular procedures, our clinicians offer a range of outpatient treatments to place new dialysis catheters, as well as corrective procedures to restore blood flow when issues arise with dialysis grafts or fistulas.
ESRD patients need dialysis every 72 hours and VAC clinicians work with patients to develop a routine of regular performance checks to prevent schedule interruptions.
In its first year, the VAC has helped reduce Emergency Department and inpatient admissions with its timely and effective care.
Strong patient relationships
“Our team builds trusting relationships with patients,” said Dr. Gueyikian. “We truly want to take care of these patients, and this innovative model prioritizes individuals with timely access.”
The VAC serves patients from a wide geographic area, including Chicago and north and northwest suburbs up to the Wisconsin state line, regardless of where they receive dialysis.
Collaborative care
VAC clinicians work closely with vascular surgeons and nephrologists throughout Endeavor Health and other hospital systems to ensure a continuum of care.
“There are so many advantages to this Skokie Hospital location, our patients are well cared for and we continue to receive positive feedback from patients, family members and other physicians,” added Dr. Gueyikian.
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