Safety Measures for Hemodialysis Vascular Access to Save the Lifeline of Hemodialysis Patients

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Department of Internal Medicine, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients need efficient vascular access once they progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and require hemodialysis (HD). The most common forms of vascular access used in clinical practice are arterio-venous fistula (AVF), arterio-venous graft (AVG), and central venous catheters (CVC). AV Fistula is preferred over AVG and CVC because it provides better patient and Access survival owing to fewer access-related complications.
Vascular access is the lifeline of the hemodialysis patient., vascular access malfunctions remain one of the extreme challenges in caring for hemodialysis patients, early fistula creation is very important because avoidance of early cannulation and complications of temporary catheter insertion, vascular access care is an essential especially physical examination and care by a nephrologist, nursing staff and by the patients. The review aims to highlight the importance of hemodialysis vascular access, prevention of its complications, to decrease the morbidity and mortality related to hemodialysis vascular access complications.

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