Surgeons

The following are some specific things surgeons can do to begin to increase AV fistula use in dialysis patients. These are actions that can be taken immediately and will require the cooperation between and, perhaps, changes in practice of, all providers in the system.

1. Know the rates of AV fistula use and incidence for your patients.
2. Review the recommended strategies from the Fistula First Change Package and choose those that make the most sense for your practice.

Consider getting started with the following changes:

Change Concept 5 - Full Range of Appropriate Surgical Approaches to AVF Evaluation and Placement
Change Concept 6 - Secondary AVF Placement in Patients with AV Grafts
Change Concept 7 - AVF Placement in Patients with Catheters Where Indicated
Change Concept 9 - Monitoring and Maintenance to Ensure Adequate Access Function
Change Concept 11 - Outcomes Feedback to Guide Practice

Educational Materials

2010 Fistula First Comprehensive Fistula Construction and Management Program for Surgeons: How To Make Fistulas That Work
 

Surgical Salvage of the Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF)
 

Creating AV Fistulas in all Eligible Hemodialysis Patients
The following is a training video program designed for surgeons and interventionalists. These videos were developed by William Jennings, MD and Lawrence Spergel, MD.