Vascular Access Overview

Question 1

What is the difference between an AVF and an AVG?

Answer 1

AVF- connection of the patient’s native artery to the native vein
AVG- uses artificial or biological material and requires 2 connections

Question 2

What is the connection point called of the artery and vein for the creation of the AVF?

Answer 2

Anastomosis

Question 3

Describe the four AVF evaluations for maturation based on the KDOQI rule of 6’s?

Answer 3

600 ml flow through access (on Doppler)
0.6 cm in depth under the skin
0.6 cm in diameter (width of pencil eraser)
6-8 weeks post op maturation (some AVF will take longer- however notifying vascular surgeon is essential if access is not maturing)

Question 4

What is the difference between a tunneled and non-tunneled CVC?

Answer 4

Tunneled CVC has a cuff that the skin grows to for anchoring to the patient- it is kept in place longer. Sutures used at placement- but can be removed after site healed.
Non-Tunneled CVC (often referred to as temporary) are held in place by only sutures- no cuff present.