A NEW APPROACH TO EVALUATE VASCULAR ACCESS IN HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

We evaluated the importance of vascular access in hemodialysis patient s using noninvasive methods with the Transonic Systems monitor in 108 patients. Most of these patients (84%) had native vein fistulas. We fo und that a blood flow rate of below 500 ml/min suggested the occurrenc e of vascular stenosis and justified confirmation by angiography. Incr eased recirculation could be evaluated readily and was detected in onl y 10% of patients. Finally, employing the evaluation of the Kt/V index , we found a good correlation between low flux through the fistula and a low Kt/V value.