Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF) Are The Gold Standard For Vascular Access
An AVF is the
surgical connection
of an artery
to a
vein, usually in the forearm or arm, created
in
patients requiring
maintenance hemodialysis.
AVFs should be
considered first for every patient
needing hemodialysis. AVFs last longer, need
less rework or
repairs,
and are
associated with lower
rates of infection,
hospitalization and
death.
The National Kidney
Foundation / Kidney
Disease Outcomes
Quality Initiative
(KDOQI) national
practice guidelines, updated in July 2006,
recommend greater than 65%
of hemodialysis
patients
have a
functioning AVF.
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Disclaimer
These educational products were produced through the AV Fistula First
Breakthrough Initiative Coalition, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The
contents of these publications do not necessarily reflect the views or policies
of the DHHS, nor does any mention of trade names, commercial products, or
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The author(s) assume
full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the ideas presented,
and welcome any comments and experiences with any referenced products.
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