Surveillance Strategies

Vascular access conduits (fistulas and grafts) are the best options to receive life-sustaining dialysis treatments. Dialysis vascular accesses are prone to malfunction, resulting in numerous problems. Recognition of physical exam and dialysis treatment issues help dialysis staff make recommendations for interventions to fistulas and grafts that are at high risk of thrombosis or other complications. Routine surveillance of the dialysis vascular access helps maintain their functionality and longevity. Screening for access flow via physical exam, ultrasound dilution or dynamic venous pressure monitoring has been used to determine when interventions, including angioplasty, may be indicated.