ABSTRACT

The preceding chapter reviews in detail the approach to surgical revision of a failing or failed dialysis access site. In this section we discuss nonsurgical methods for intervening in the failing or failed AV access, largely focusing on percutaneous techniques. Of critical importance in maintaining uninterrupted access for hemodialysis is the identification of AV fistulae and grafts at risk for failure prior to the onset of thrombosis (1). Accomplishing this goal relies heavily on a surveillance protocol that may incorporate one or a number of the methods described in Chapter 6.