title: Clinical experience with ultrasound guided angioplasty for vascular access.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of ultrasound guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (UG-PTA), which use ultrasound as an imaging modality, is an evolving strategy. But, in Korea, this method is rarely used. We report our experiences with UG-PTA with respect to technical success rates and complication rates compared to conventional PTA (C-PTA), performed between 2010 and 2015 at Samsung Changwon Hospital, Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  In our series, 53 cases of UG-PTA and 90 cases of C-PTA were reviewed, respectively. Cases of central vein stenosis, cephalic arch stenosis, arterial stenosis and thrombosis were excluded. However, cases of juxta-anastomotic stenosis and outflow vein stenosis were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Technical success was achieved in 96.2% (51 of 53) of cases in the UG-PTA group and in 93.3% (84 of 90) of cases in the C-PTA group, respectively (P= 0.710). Technical failure was experienced in a total 8 cases (UG-PTA group: 2/53, 3.8%; C-PTA group: 6/90, 6.7%). No differences were observed in complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Duplex ultrasound-guided angioplasty for dialysis access in the outpatient setting is feasible, safe, and effective for peripheral venous stenotic lesions. It offers many advantages over conventional angiographic procedures, and, in the future, it has great potential to play a significant role in the management of these challenging patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
authors.forename: Yu-Ji
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Rok
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Angioplasty; Endovascular treatments; Percutaneous; Ultrasound