Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Vessel Mapping for Hemodialysis Access
• Technical Term: Preoperative Vessel Mapping for Autogenous Hemodialysis Conduit

Summary

Vessel mapping for hemodialysis access is a medical imaging procedure that helps identify the best veins and arteries for creating a dialysis access point. This preoperative mapping ensures that the chosen blood vessels can support an autogenous hemodialysis conduit, which is a preferred method for long-term dialysis.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Chronic kidney disease, End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis.
• Goals: To identify suitable blood vessels for creating a durable and functional hemodialysis access site.
• Expected Outcomes: Improved dialysis efficiency, reduced complications, and enhanced patient outcomes.

Indications

• Symptoms or conditions warranting the procedure:
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • ESRD requiring initiation of hemodialysis
• Patient Criteria:
  • Candidates for hemodialysis
  • Those needing a new or revised vascular access site

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions:
  • Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
  • Medication adjustments may be required, especially blood thinners.
• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound or MRI for preliminary vessel assessment

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually lying down.
  2. An ultrasound machine is used to image the arteries and veins in the arm.
  3. The technician evaluates arterial inflow and venous outflow.
  4. Measurements and images are taken to ensure the vessels are suitable for creating an access point.
• Tools & Equipment: Ultrasound machine, Sonographic gel
• Anesthesia: Typically, no anesthesia is required; however, local anesthesia may be used if any minor-invasive steps are necessary.

Duration

• The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

• Performed in:
  • Hospital Radiology or Vascular Lab
  • Outpatient Clinic

Personnel

• Healthcare professionals involved:
  • Vascular Surgeon or Interventional Radiologist
  • Ultrasound Technician
  • Nursing Staff

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks:
  • Mild discomfort during imaging
  • Allergic reaction to sonographic gel
• Rare Risks:
  • Inaccurate vessel mapping leading to suboptimal access site
  • Minor bruising or swelling

Benefits

• Expected Benefits:
  • Accurate identification of optimal vessels
  • Higher success rate of hemodialysis access
  • Reduced complications in future dialysis sessions
• Realization: Typically immediate upon successful creation of the access

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care:
  • No specific post-procedure care required
  • Patients can resume normal activities immediately
• Recovery Time: Instantaneous, as it’s non-invasive
• Follow-up: Any issues should be reported to the managing physician

Alternatives

• Other Options:
  • Direct surgical exploration without pre-mapping
  • Using synthetic grafts for dialysis access
• Pros and Cons:
  • Pre-mapping offers better outcomes and lower complication rates compared to unguided options.
  • Synthetic grafts may be less preferred due to higher infection rates and less durability.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure:
  • The patient might feel slight pressure from the ultrasound probe but no significant discomfort.
• After the Procedure:
  • Minimal to no pain
  • Typically, no downtime or recovery period required
• Pain Management & Comfort:
  • Comfort measures include a warm room and application of sonographic gel at appropriate temperature to minimize discomfort during the procedure.