Targeted Duplex Ultrasound in a One-Stop Dialysis Vascular Access Assessment Clinic

Targeted DUS identified findings that might adversely affect fistula function in one of four patients in this series, whereas one in 10 patients was able to have more distal fistulae formed because of improved confidence in the quality of distal vessels. Early failure and patency rates are comparable with those in units using formal routine ultrasound. These results would suggest that routine targeted DUS, performed quickly by surgeons in an outpatient clinic, can alter surgical planning in one of the three patients and is therefore advocated as a quick, relatively inexpensive and important adjunct to AVF planning.