US and Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) created using native vessels is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis. AVF is associated with a lower incidence of complications and longer survival compared to prosthetic grafts or central venous catheters. Nephrologists and vascular surgeons are facing growing challenges in finding suitable native vessels for creating a well-functioning and consistently patent AVF. This difficulty arises due to the increasing prevalence of advanced age and comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and vascular disease, among patients requiring dialysis.