[Procedure for shunt imaging in dialysis patients with special reference to digital subtraction angiography]

All angiographic procedures established for imaging of hemodialysis fistulas, such as direct venous angiography, intravenous subtraction angiography and arteriography by direct puncture of the brachial artery or by Seldinger's transfemoral technique, can also be effected with digital image processing. Depending on the angiographic technique, the use of digital subtraction angiography has several advantages: lower doses and concentrations of the contrast agent, lower risk of complications (thrombosis of the fistula, vasospasm) and freedom from pain. In addition, there is a marked reduction of examination time and film cost.