Dialysis needle hemodynamics in arterio-venous fistulae: A technical report

Background: Vascular access is the lifeline for end-stage renal disease patients needing hemodialysis treatment. For dialysis treatment two needles are placed into the vascular access. Few studies on needle hemodynamics have been published. Methods: We investigated needle hemodynamics by means of Doppler ultrasonography, both in B-mode and in pulsed Doppler mode. Results: Direct visualization of the needles, turbulence around the arterial needle and blood flow jet from the venous needle are presented. Conclusions: Ultrasound investigation of the hemodynamics of the dialysis needles is feasible. The extreme blood flow jet through the arterial needle was directed in all patients to the anterior vessel wall. (J Vasc Access 2009; 10: 157-9)