Infrared Therapy Treatment for Arterio Venous Fistula Reg Lagaac Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist Vascular Access Cambridge University Hospitals NHS FT

Introduction The prevalence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) continues to increase yearly Currently, we have 410 chronic haemodialysis patients. 80% of the total HD patient population are dialysing via AVF and 20% via CVC.

Introduction Complications of AVF include Bruises and infiltration Underdeveloped AVF with weak thrill and bruit due to small calibre of veins, calcified arteries with reduced blood flow leading to thrombosis.

Far Infrared Therapy It shows that far infrared radiation has beneficial effects on tissue healing and endothelial function, this has led to its use in the treatment of skin necrosis and wound healing. The application of FIR to AVFs in HD patients has been studied as a way to improve fistula blood flow, thereby reducing complications of fistula thrombosis and improving dialysis adequacy.

Protocol Has been developed by the renal team to decide which patient will undergo the FIR treatment. Steal syndrome, low access blood flow, early signs of stenosis, AVF bruises due to infiltration from previous cannulation

Protocol FIR therapy is used for 40 minutes during each HD session Discontinuing the treatment based on clinical discretion if there are no signs of improvement.

Far Infrared Treatment

Results During the 10 month from January to December 2015, 22 patients received FIR therapy. In summary , 6 patients had an improvement of pain score on needling of AVF, 14 patients AVF needle-site haematomas resolved quicker and 2 AVFs matured with demonstrably better blood flow rates.

Conclusions We have found FIR therapy to be of use in the maturation of AVFs, haematoma formation and improves access flow. FIR is a safe and effective treatment modality that has been shown to reduce complications and improve the efficiency of AVFs through its direct anti-inflammatory properties.

Far Infrared Therapy