The role of arms color Doppler before creation arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

Objective: our experience with color Doppler of arms blood vessels before creation arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.

Methods: three years ago all patients who need surgery creation of arteriovenous fistula had Doppler ultrasound preoperative vascular mapping. Purpose of the view is to take a picture of proximal and distal part of arteria radials both arms, distal part of venous cephalica and proximal part of venous mediana antebrachii. We must know if these blood vessels have good morphological and hemodinamic criteria for creation arteiovenous fistula.

Results: in the study were twenty patients, creation of AV fistula was unsuccessful by two patients, but ultrasonic doctor had warning on very gracile blood vessels; by 18 patients in period of 2 to 36 months (mean 12.2 moths) we have optimal effective flow through dialysis filter 300 ml/min, and they are still in good function.

Conclusions: carefully blood vessels review with color Doppler before creation arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis, and marking suitable blood vessels with marker on the skin under sonography control reduced unsuccessful number of surgery exploration and destruction of blood vessels if AV fistula don't work. This is very important for hemodialysis patients, especially for diabetics.