Ultrasound as a tool for preoperative planning, monitoring, and interventions in dialysis arteriovenous access

OBJECTIVE. The rising prevalence of end-stage renal disease has resulted in increasing focus on delivery of vascular access care for hemodialysis. Duplex Doppler ultrasound, with its unique ability to reliably evaluate both structural and functional aspects of the peripheral vessels, is the preferred imaging modality for access planning and follow-up. CONCLUSION. This article will review how ultrasound is currently used to evaluate patients pre-, intra-, and postoperatively for vascular access.