HEMODIALYSIS ACCESS EVALUATION

In cases where the kidneys fail, hemodialysis eliminates waste and excess fluid from the blood. Before hemodialysis can begin, a connection commonly referred to as an arteriovenous access (AVA) must be formed between a vein and artery normally in the upper extremity. The connection can be formed from a native vessel called a fistula or a synthetic conduit referred to as an Arteriovenous Graft (AVG). Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF’s) are the preferred access, but both pose their own difficulties with creation and maintenance. Duplex Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cost-effective way to evaluate dialysis access for future dialysis, new to mature fistulas/grafts, or malfunctioning AVA.