Interventional radiology in haemodialysis fistulae and grafts

Renal failure is treated by dialysis or renal transplantation. About 63% of patients are treated with haemodialysis, 9% with peritoneal dialysis and 28% with renal transplantation.1 Haemodialysis can be performed through central venous catheters (internal jugular, subclavian and femoral vein) or through a permanent arteriovenous access. Long-term patency of central catheters is low, because they are prone to infection and thrombosis.2 Chronic haemodialysis is performed by the autogenous arteriovenous fistula and the synthetic bridge graft. Native fistulas are the most durable type of vascular access and least prone to complications.3 A recent American article reported 54% primary patency for grafts at one year, compared with 75-91% for native fistulas.4 Peritoneal dialysis Radiol Oncol 2004; 38(4): 299-308.