Digitized Acoustic Analysis for Monitoring Hemodialysis Access Dysfunction: Insights from Vascular Imaging and...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Acoustics

Background:

• Hemodialysis access dysfunction leads to missed treatments and mortality.
• Current monitoring methods like physical exams and ultrasound have limitations.
• A need exists for more efficient and accurate vascular access monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of digitized acoustic data for identifying and monitoring hemodialysis access dysfunction.
• To compare acoustic findings in arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG).
• To assess acoustic changes before and after angioplasty interventions.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 157 hemodialysis patients (AVF/AVG) from June 2023 to February 2025.
• Vascular imaging (angiography/ultrasound) confirmed stenosis.
• Standardized acoustic data recording and analysis (loudness, peak-to-valley, frequency distribution).

Main Results:

• Significant acoustic differences detected in AVF arterial puncture and anastomosis sites with dysfunction.
• Venous site dysfunction in AVFs showed reduced sound volume and increased peak-to-valley ratio.
• Acoustic data normalized post-angioplasty in AVFs; no significant changes observed in AVGs.

Conclusions:

• Digitized acoustic analysis is effective for detecting and monitoring AVF dysfunction.
• Acoustic data shows potential for clinical integration, especially with AI models.
• Further research may enhance diagnostic capabilities for hemodialysis access monitoring.