Point of Care Ultrasound Examination for Preop Evaluation of Arteriovenous Access Patients

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound examination is an essential component in the preoperative evaluation of patients needing creation of an arteriovenous access. This test is not usually incorporate as part of the initial outpatient visit. Point of care ultrasound examination as part of the initial physician visit decrease cost, generate a surgical planning, as a one-time stop before scheduling. We the experience of incorporation POCUS examination of the upper extremities, in the initial consultation visit of patients needing creation of an arteriovenous access. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintain database of dialysis access patients;from which data was collected from patients which have point of care ultrasound as planning imaging during their initial visit, and then underwent a surgical access creation. Data was extracted from periprocedural and clinical follow-up records. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent point of care ultrasound examination at vascular surgery visit and underwent creation of an arteriovenous access. The mean age of patients 50.5 years (24-70 years). Twelve patients were male (63%), and seven patients were female (37%). An arteriovenous fistula was successfully created on 18 patients (95%). Thirteen patients are using their access for hemodialysis (68%). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study demonstrates that performance of POCUS examination by operating surgeon in office, is a suitable technique which allows for a successful rate for arteriovenous access creation, allowing savings in healthcare costs of the patient, allowing the visit as a one-stop evaluation and surgical planning. This study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.