SELECTING THE OPTIMAL LOCATION FOR AVF CREATION: THE LIFELINE FOR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

A vascular access facilitates the high blood flow needed for hemodialysis and is therefore crucial for successful treatment of patients suffering from endstage renal disease. Preferably, a vascular access is created by surgically connecting an artery and vein in the arm (arteriovenous fistula, AVF). The optimal location (upper or lower arm) is selected by the vascular surgeon based on extensive preoperative diagnostics. Nevertheless, flow-related complications still occur in up to 30% of all cases [Allon, 2003]. Previously, a pulse wave propagation model was developed that has potential to support decision-making in AVF surgery. In this study, the model’s feasibility for personalized AVF surgery planning is examined.