Dialysis Access Evaluation.

ABSTRACT

The vascular lab (VL) provides vital information for dialysis access to guide management. This article discusses the indication, protocol, and diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of arteriovenous fistulas and grafts. An arteriovenous (AV) dialysis access is made by creating a connection between an artery and vein (AV fistula [AVF]) or by interposing a conduit between an artery and a vein (AV graft [AVG]) to provide high flow circuit for hemodialysis. A normal mature AV dialysis access has a thrill or vibration from turbulent flow in the graft or vein. The nomenclatures at our institution for an AVF and AVG are in the Figure 1 A and B diagrams.