Predicting vascular access failure: A collective review

SUMMARY: The maintenance of vascular access for haemodialysis contributes a large burden of morbidity and cost to any dialysis unit. Identifying vascular access at risk of thrombosis is an evolving and important aspect to the management of any haemodialysis patient. Haemodynamic profiles of native fistulas and arteriovenous grafts differ significantly, and, as such, the sensitivity of the specific monitoring techniques to detect dysfunction varies depending on access type. Multiple strategies are now available for monitoring vascular access including measuring intra‐access pressure and access blood flow, or screening for significant stenoses with Doppler ultrasonography. the ability of each strategy to detect significant stenosis is reviewed by looking at the evidence for both arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG), separately. the majority of published literature involves AVG, and measuring access blood flow is the modality of choice. the best method for measuring flow is not known. For AVF, much less is known, and it is not clear whether monitoring will decrease the thrombosis risk and prolong access life. Recommendations for AVF cannot be made until more evidence becomes available.