Clinical Aspects of Dialysis Interventions: Physical and Sonographic Findings

Vandana Dua Niyyar; Anil K Agarwal; Loay H Salman

doi:10.1055/s-0041-1740946

Clinical Aspects of Dialysis Interventions: Physical and Sonographic Findings

Semin Intervent Radiol. 2022 Feb 18;39(1):9-13. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1740946. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Authors

Vandana Dua Niyyar¹, Anil K Agarwal², Loay H Salman³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Nephrology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
² Department of Medicine, VA Central California Health Care System, Fresno, California.
³ Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.

Abstract

Physical examination (PE) of arteriovenous access remains of high clinical value and continues to be recommended by leading societies and guidelines. PE is easy to learn and perform. Once learned, examiners can provide a comprehensive arteriovenous (AV) access examination in 20 to 30 seconds. Therefore, we continue to advocate that AV access PE should be part of the training for all dialysis care providers. Similarly, ultrasound can provide important AV access evaluation and provide key information. It is relatively cheap and can be readily available at the bed side. Additionally, it is well accepted by patients, as it is not expected to be associated with pain or discomfort during the examination. We present in this review the key components of PE, signs and symptoms of AV access dysfunction, and the role of ultrasound in AV access evaluation as a complementary tool to PE.

Keywords: AV access dysfunction; AV access physical examination; arteriovenous access; arteriovenous fistula; arteriovenous grant; interventional radiology.

Publication types

Review