Physical Examination of Dialysis Vascular Access and Vascular Access Surveillance

Abstract

As defined by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF KDOQI) guidelines, vascular access monitoring is performed by physical examination to detect signs that would suggest the presence of pathology while surveillance refers to periodic evaluation by means of tests that may involve special instrumentation to detect the presence of pathology [1]. Physical examination of the dialysis vascular access is an essential skill for a nephrologist. Many dysfunctional vascular access can be detected by physical examination and it is an important tool for monitoring vascular access. Vascular access surveillance refers to periodic evaluation by means of tests that may involve special instrumentation to detect presence of pathology. The aims of vascular access monitoring and surveillance are detection of failing access that may compromise the delivery of adequate dialysis and prevention of thrombosis through preemptive interventions.