Ultrasound guided interventional procedures on arteriovenous fistulae

Autogenous (AVF) and prosthetic (AVG) arteriovenous fistulas are the vascular accesses (VA) of choice for hemodialysis thanks to their improved patency, reduced costs, and lower rate of infections relative to catheters. In an effort to maximize the number of primary AVF and AVG, shorten maturation times for AVF, and reduce the number of indwelling catheters, several new techniques have been developed within the context of an overall program designed to optimize access care. This approach includes: (a) Primary Intraoperative Balloon Angioplasty on the vessels selected for AV creation whether small-sized or altered by pre-existing lesions; (b) Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) on AVF and AVG stenosis, performed under ultrasonographic (UG) or fluoroscopic guide (FG). We report the experience of two Center in performing the above mentioned procedures on even complex VA. The wise adoption of these techniques may avail to meet the stringent demands for reliable VA placement as defined by KDOQI and, thereby, expand the duration and quality of life for hemodialysis patients.