Dialysis fistulas

Abstract

PART 1: INTRODUCTION Dysfunction of arteriovenous (AV) fistulae is a problem frequently encountered in the hemodialysis patient. Since the number of patients with end-stage renal disease treated by hemodialysis is rising gradually (1), the selection of an adequate treatment technique to maintain vascular access is of utmost importance for patient and physician. Today, the interventional procedure is considered a valid and sometimes superior alternative to surgical revision, being safe, easy to perform, and clinically successful. Literature does not show a significant discrepancy pertaining to technical outcome, complication rate, and follow-up patency rates when surgery and intervention are evaluated (2-4).