Repeated mappings of arm veins by physical examination: role of nephrologists in the selection of suitable veins for AV fistula surgery

Abstract

Multidisciplinary team work is important for a successful hemodialysis vascular access program. The authors present a clinical case to illustrate the potential dynamic factors that can affect vein sizes, independent from the operators' skills and experiences. Therefore, if the first examination fails to detect suitable veins, repeated examinations of arm veins by nephrologists during routine office visits may greatly assist the surgeons in the selection of suitable arm veins for arteriovenous fistula surgery.