Pictorial essay: Interventional radiology in the management of hemodialysis vascular access - A single-center experience

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The majority of patients with CKD stage 5 (CKD-5), who cannot undergo renal transplant, depend on maintenance hemodialysis by surgically created access sites. Native fistulae are preferred over grafts due to their longevity. More than half of these vital portals for dialysis access will fail over time. Screening procedures to select high-risk patients before thrombosis or stenosis appears have resulted in aggressive management. These patients are referred for angiographic evaluation and/or therapy. We present the patterns of dialysis-related interventions done in our institution.

A promising method for the salvage of thrombosed native hemodialysis fistulas: percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombolytic injection

“…Due to developing dialysis technology and therapies, the life-span and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis with CKD is increased. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF), synthetic loop grafts, and large-bore tunneled or temporary central venous catheters are the alternative hemodialysis methods for patients who cannot undergo renal transplant [1,2]. Among these options, native AVF is the first and most durable choice for vascular access because of the lower thrombotic and infectious complications [1,3].…”