Clinical and ultrasound evaluation for hemodialysis access creation

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging global burden with an increasing number of patient's requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), with hemodialysis being the most prevalent dialysis modality. A functioning vascular access remains the main constrain for an adequate treatment. Clinical and, in some patients, ultrasound evaluation are fundamental for better access planning. Access planning is dependent not only on patient clinical characteristics and preference but also in vascular patrimony. As such, ultrasound evaluation aids in characterizing patient arterial and venous upper arm anatomy and provides information for which access would better suit each patient. Doctors dealing with CKD patients should be familiar with the role of ultrasound and Doppler use in access planning.

Keywords: Acceso vascular; Anatomía vascular; Arteriovenous fistula; Doppler; Ecografía; Fístula arteriovenosa; Hemodialysis; Hemodiálisis; Ultrasound; Vascular access; Vascular anatomy.