Caring For Your HeRO® Graft

Always follow your doctor’s or nurse’s instructions and promptly tell your care team about any unusual symptoms or pain.

For the first few weeks after surgery, follow these tips:

• Keep your access arm clean and dry
• Watch for signs of infection (e.g., redness, tenderness, swelling, or fever)
• Be gentle with your access arm, and avoid lifting heavy objects
• Use your arm as normally as possible, avoiding movements that cause pain or discomfort
• When sitting or lying down, rest your arm on pillows higher than your heart to reduce swelling
• Don’t overwork your upper arm muscles during the healing period

Other tips to care for your new access:

• Wear loose clothes over your access arm
• Avoid carrying a backpack/purse on your dialysis shoulder
• Try not to lie down on your access arm or shoulder while you sleep
• You should feel for the “thrill” or vibration in your HeRO Graft several times a day, noting if it stops or feels different. If the vibration stops or changes, report this to your dialysis provider or doctor as soon as possible