Beyond the Tool

Abstract

After more than a decade in development, including several years of clinical study, hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) can now be safely created using percutaneous methods. With their technique, Hull et al (1) have gone further and shown that most of their percutaneous arteriovenous fistulae (pAVFs) remained useful for hemodialysis at 5 years. With no need for surgery, angiographic imaging equipment, or iodinated contrast medium, pAVFs can be created using ultrasound guidance in an office, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital.