Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVF) Are The Gold Standard For Vascular Access
An AVF is the
surgical connection
of an artery
to a
vein, usually in the forearm or arm, created
in
patients requiring
maintenance hemodialysis.
AVFs should be
considered first for every patient
needing hemodialysis. AVFs last longer, need
less rework or
repairs,
and are
associated with lower
rates of infection,
hospitalization and
death.
The National Kidney
Foundation / Kidney
Disease Outcomes
Quality Initiative
(KDOQI) national
practice guidelines, updated in July 2006,
recommend greater than 65%
of hemodialysis
patients
have a
functioning AVF.
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AV Fistula First is a Coalition Working to Increase the Use of AVFs by
Individuals who need Hemodialysis
- AV Fistula First is a breakthrough initiative to increase
AVF use for all suitable hemodialysis patients.
- We are working together to meet KDOQI guidelines and the CMS stretch
goal of increasing the percentage of hemodialysis patients using AVFs to 66% by 2009 nationwide.
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AVF Cannulation DVD Available! |
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2007 Fistula First Annual Report |
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An Interview with Dr. Spergel |
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2008 Summit Presentations |
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AV Fistula First is led by Renal, Healthcare, Trade Organizations and Government
Agencies
- We educate and train the healthcare community about AVFs and hemodialysis.
We promote the use of AVFs and provide training resources regarding current
practice of AVF
placement to practitioners.
- We provide nurses, nephrologists, surgeons, interventionalists and dialysis technicians
with training in appropriate use, maintenance and care of AVFs.
- We educate patients about the value of AVFs, and empower all patients
to take part in managing their health.
- We identify current best practices and recommend systems changes that will
lead to improving the quality of care for hemodialysis patients.
Click Here to View Current Data
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