What are the three main types of vascular access for dialysis?

The three main types of vascular access for dialysis are arteriovenous fistula, arteriovenous graft, and central venous catheter.

An arteriovenous fistula is a direct connection between an artery and a vein, typically created in the forearm, which provides high blood flow and is the preferred method due to its longevity and lower risk of infection. An arteriovenous graft involves a synthetic tubing connecting the artery and vein when the veins are not suitable for a fistula, serving a similar purpose but with a higher risk of complications. The central venous catheter is a more immediate solution that provides access through a large vein (often in the neck or chest), which is essential for patients who need urgent dialysis.

Understanding these methods is crucial as they serve different needs based on the patient's vascular health, urgency of treatment, and expected duration of dialysis. The other options contain different combinations of access types that do not correctly represent the primary methods used specifically for hemodialysis.