title: Current tools for prediction of arteriovenous fistula outcomes.
abstract: It remains challenging to accurately predict whether an individual arteriovenous fistula (AVF) will mature and be useable for haemodialysis vascular access. Current best practice involves the use of routine clinical assessment and ultrasonography complemented by selective venography and magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this literature review is to describe current practices in relation to pre-operative assessment prior to AVF formation and highlight potential areas for future research to improve the clinical prediction of AVF outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Access and Renal Transplantation , University Hospitals Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Birmingham B15 2TH , UK.
authors.forename: Damian G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: McGrogan
authors.affiliation: Regional Nephrology Unit, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust , Belfast City Hospital , Belfast BT9 7AB , UK ; School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences , Health Sciences Building , Belfast BT9 7BL , UK.
authors.forename: Alexander P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Maxwell
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Access and Renal Transplantation , University Hospitals Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Birmingham B15 2TH , UK.
authors.forename: Aurang Z
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Khawaja
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Access and Renal Transplantation , University Hospitals Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Birmingham B15 2TH , UK.
authors.forename: Nicholas G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Inston
keywords: arteriovenous fistula; clinical assessment; definitions; ultrasonography; venography