Relationship between resistance index and recirculation rate in vascular access

Abstract Background The state of vascular access affects the efficiency hemodialysis. Poor blood flow causes recirculation, which reduces treatment efficiency. In clinical setting, resistance index (RI) is a commonly used parameter to evaluate access. However, there are few reports investigating direct relationship between RI and recirculation rate. this study, rate was investigated using computational fluid dynamics analysis. Methods We created three-dimensional model that mimics in hemodialysis patients. Next, we input various waveforms (RI 0.00, 0.50, 0.60, 0.80, 0.94) into model. Then, two needles were punctured vessel Blood removed from by one needle at 200 ml/min returned other same speed. calculated backflow return needle. Results rates for 0.94 0.00%, 0.29%, 0.44%, 11.6%, 28.1%, respectively. higher with RI. addition, more occurred during diastolic phase, when slow. Conclusions When minimum slower than removal speed, both increased. Sufficient needs be maintained suppress recirculation.