Pre-operative ultrasonography and arteriovenous fistulae maturation.

BACKGROUND:Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are preferred for haemodialysis access, but maturation is unpredictable. RESULTS:Clinical examination alone is unreliable for AVF planning. Duplex ultrasonography may provide useful anatomical and physiological data to allow more accurate prediction of likely AVF success. CONCLUSION:Selective use of duplex ultrasonography appears to enhance AVF success rates, but there are insufficient data to recommend routine duplex screening of AVF candidates. Agreed vessel criteria are needed.