Abstract
A proper physical examination is an invaluable tool in discovering emerging problems of a vascular access in a timely fashion, thus preventing serious complications, potential loss, and poor outcomes. Though subjective in nature, with experience this can be performed quickly and accurately and is considered a critical part of patient care. The 2006 National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI) and the 2008 Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines recommend that physical examination be performed on all mature arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) on a weekly basis. Like any physical examination the three elements include inspection, palpation, and auscultation. Basic knowledge of blood flow dynamics as discussed in the previous chapter is helpful in understanding the steps of physical examination and evaluation of findings. This chapter focuses on the physical examination of the newly created and the mature arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and grafts (AVG).
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Vladimir, F., Ahmad, S., Shalhub, S. (2017). Detecting Pending Hemodialysis Access Failure: The Physical Exam. In: Shalhub, S., Dua, A., Shin, S. (eds) Hemodialysis Access. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40061-7_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40061-7_21
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