Hemodialysis is a life-saving method for patients with acute and chronic kidney failure. This treatment requires sufficiently large and safe vascular access. Ensuring optimal vascular access is therefore a prerequisite and an integral part of the care of these patients. In addition to commonly known vascular approaches such as non-tunnelized or tunneled hemodialysis catheters and AV fistulas, less well-known methods are also available, such as a translumbar or directly surgically inserted hemodialysis catheter into the right atrium. However, these alternative approaches are the only, life-saving alternative for some patients. The ambition of this review article is to offer a comprehensive view of the available options for vascular access, the algorithm for its selection and solutions to the most common complications in clinical practice.
Keywords: AV fistula; catheter; extracorporeal treatment; hemodialysis; vascular access.