Abstract

The renal failure and hemodialysis dependent population is increasing worldwide. Hemodialysis access is the life-line of these patients. Hemodialysis access related surgical and interventional procedures form a major demand to the healthcare services in many developed and developing countries. As such, the proper clinical decision, planning and performance of these procedures will greatly benefit the hemodialysis patients and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. This book is a practical guide for clinicians and nurses creating, treating or managing hemodialysis accesses for renal failure patients. Basic principles to manage common or difficult situations of hemodialysis access are discussed and illustrative clinical cases are shown as examples. This book is an essential reading material for healthcare professionals in their early phase of developing the hemodialysis access program, while providing useful tips and tricks to established clinicians that will broaden their armamentarium.