A Society of Interventional Radiology Practice Guidance Document on Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistulae for Dialysis Access
🔍 **Clinical Question:**
What are the up-to-date society-based consensus recommendations for the creation and maturation of percutaneous arteriovenous fistulae (pAVFs) for hemodialysis access?
💡 **Key Insight:**
Vessel mapping is essential for successful pAVF creation, evaluating inflow arteries, perforator vein(s), and superficial outflow veins.
Although technical success of pAVF creation is >95%, patients should be aware that many of the fistulae will require additional procedures to ensure fistula maturation. Successful cannulation rates are approximately 80%.
The interventionalist is responsible for postprocedural pAVF management, which usually includes a follow-up visit 1–2 weeks after creating a pAVF.
Use the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code (36836 or 36837) for percutaneous creation of upper extremity AVFs (these codes refer to procedures performed via single or dual access sites.)
👉 **Why it matters:**
Percutaneous AVF creation offers many benefits over surgical AVFs with ongoing evidence of its safety and effectiveness. This practice guidance document serves as a summary of what is required to develop a pAVF program, including patient preparation, performance of the procedure, adverse event management, and follow-up care.
➡️ **Full Article:**
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2025.08.019
#InterventionalRadiology #VascularIR #AVF #Hemodialysis #PercutaneousAVF #PracticeGuideline #PracticeBuilding #MedEd
