The Value of Physical Exam In Access Maintenance and Acquisition Carol M. Headley RN DNSc CNN Network 8 November 2006 Nashville, Tennessee
AV Shunt
Physical Exam Chest and Arms Uncovered Lying Supine Position Dominant Arm and Hand Determined Previous Surgeries Peripheral Vascular Disease Diabetic IV Drug Abuse
Size Does Matter 1.6 mm – Evidence 2.0 mm - Opinion
Thrill Should Be Immediate
Arterial Portion of Evaluation Pulse Examination – Roll Artery Segmental Blood Pressures Digital Pressures Allen Test Ultrasound
Digital Pressures
Steal Syndrome: Evidence Doppler Digital Pressures (mm Hg) Right Baseline Post Right Radial Artery Compression Thumb 45 94 Index 46 140 Middle 56 104 Ring 90 126 Small 88 118
Steal Syndrome
Venous Evaluation Most Problems are Venous Related Cephalic Vein is Optimal Luminal Diameter 2.5 mm Absence of Obstruction Straight Superficial Continuity – Tap Test
Beauty in Veins
Early Failure: Accessory Veins
Venous Stenosis: Not Obvious Initially
Retrograde Flow
Something Wrong?
Threat is Real
Emphasis is on Fistulas: So Why So Many Catheters?
AV Shunt