Approach to an abnormal surveillance measurement

Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a common complication. Vascular access stenosis is the most common cause of this dysfunction. Early detection of stenotic lesions and treatment by percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) might be beneficial. Early detection of stenotic lesions can be achieved by means of monitoring or surveillance. Well-trained dialysis staff can perform monitoring on regular basis. Surveillance needs additional tools and instrumentations and trained staff to perform it. A well-designed study to evaluate the benefit of surveillance on access thrombosis, longevity, and other morbidity and mortality parameters is very well needed.