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.