Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

3.3K

Ultrasound evaluation of access complications: Thrombosis, aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms and infections

Mario Meola1, Antonio Marciello2, Gianfranco Di Salle3

  • 1Institute of Life Sciences-Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies; Department of Internal Medicine University of Pisa- Pisa, Italy.

The Journal of Vascular Access
|July 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Colour Doppler and Pulse Wave Doppler are crucial for managing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) complications. These imaging techniques help diagnose stenosis and assess wall damage, improving vascular access outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) complications significantly impact vascular access (VA) outcomes.
  • Failure often stems from inflow or outflow stenosis, leading to thrombosis via Virchow's triad.
  • Early and late complications necessitate effective diagnostic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To update the understanding of colour Doppler (CD) and pulse wave Doppler (PWD) in managing AVF complications.
  • To review the roles of CD and PWD in both native and prosthetic AVF management.
  • To highlight diagnostic capabilities for stenosis and wall pathologies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on Doppler ultrasound in AVF management.
  • Focus on CD and PWD for diagnosing stenosis and characterizing wall damage.
  • Comparison with phlebography as a diagnostic gold standard.

Main Results:

  • CD and PWD are effective in diagnosing inflow/outflow stenosis, a primary cause of VA failure.
  • High-resolution Doppler ultrasound (10-20 MHz) aids in characterizing wall damage and hemodynamic dysfunction.
  • Doppler techniques assist in identifying early post-implantation issues and late acquired complications like pseudoaneurysms and infections.

Conclusions:

  • Doppler ultrasound plays a vital role in the early and late management of AVF complications.
  • Accurate diagnosis of stenosis and wall pathologies using CD and PWD is essential for maintaining VA patency.
  • While phlebography remains the gold standard, Doppler ultrasound offers valuable, non-invasive insights into AVF health.

Keywords:
AVF complicationsdoppler imagingfistula aneurysminflow/outflow stenosispseudoaneurysmvascular access thrombosis

More Related Videos

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis06:45

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis

Published on: February 10, 2023

14.7K
Drug Treatment by Central Venous Catheter in a Mouse Model of Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Monitoring by 3D Ultrasound10:09

Drug Treatment by Central Venous Catheter in a Mouse Model of Angiotensin II Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Monitoring by 3D Ultrasound

Published on: August 4, 2022

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
80
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
55
Ultrasonography01:17

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the body's internal structures. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it widely used in various medical fields. Ultrasonography is used to study heart function, blood flow in the neck or extremities, certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, and fetal growth and development.
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
6.8K
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
58
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging01:19

Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging

DefinitionRenal angiography, also known as renal arteriography, is an imaging technique used to obtain a comprehensive view of blood flow and the vascular structure of blood vessels in the kidneys and surrounding areas.PurposeRenal angiography detects blood vessel abnormalities in the kidneys, such as aneurysms, stenosis, thrombosis, vascular tumors, and renal artery stenosis. It evaluates kidney function and guides interventional treatments like angioplasty or stent placement.Pre-Procedure...
100
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
1000