The cannulation  of vascular access specially becomes difficult in elderly, diabetic and obese  hemodialysis patients. The accessibility of an AV fistula largely relies on the condition of the patient’s veins, which often leads to difficulty in cannulation with the traditional blind method. South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) Renal unit adopted ultrasound mapping of new cannulation sites for arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the qualitative impact of this practice on the dialysis patients. This was a qualitative study and was conducted in the Renal Unit at STSFT. Haemodialysis patients with deep or small vessels for cannulation, a vessel with problems and a vessel whose cannulation on the first attempt was vital were included in the study. AVF/AVG were mapped using Doppler ultrasound (US) undertaken by a consultant Interventional Nephrologist (IN). The map of the AVF/AVG and new cannulation sites were captured as an image on the patients’ smart phone to act as record to show the dialysis nurse cannulating the AVF/AVG. It was hoped that this would encourage rope laddering and AVF/AVG preservation. Patients reported no significant improvement in cannulation process even after US mapping of new cannulation sites. Patients did report a better understanding of the AVF/AVG geometry especially amongst the self cannulators on home haemodialysis. According to the patients the successful cannulation was mainly dependent on the skills of dialysis nurses rather than the US mapping of the AVF/AVG being of any assistance.

In this article, the outcome of an interventional nephrology workshop at last year's UK Kidney Week is thoroughly reviewed

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Background and Aims Interventional Nephrology is a renal procedural sub-speciality that provides procedures the following procedures necessary for the maintenance of dialysis access and renal diagnostics: In most centres regionally and nationally, these procedures are performed by a mix of nephrologists, radiologists and surgeons. In many centres haemodialysis catheter procedures are performed by nephrologists but without fluoroscopic guidance, with only those procedures which fail to be completed being escalated to interventional radiology. Access to real time imaging improves safety and quality of patient experience by reducing the rate of procedural failure and can the rate of serious complications. The Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (SDIN) service was launched in 2018. Briefly, this is a ‘one stop shop’ for all of the above procedures with pre-procedural assessment and post-procedural recovery provided in a dedicated renal day-case area. Procedure lists run Monday to Friday, 52 weeks per year, and are provided by four interventional nephrologists. Method Data was collected retrospectively on all activity under the Sunderland Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology service. Results The service has delivered the following benefits: Conclusion A dedicated interventional Nephrology service leads to significant benefits for the providing unit and leads to efficiency savings. Most importantly, patients receive safe and efficient care leading to improved experience and in the long term improved clinical outcomes.

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