Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Abstract

End-stage renal disease is increasingly prevalent and ultimately requires renal replacement therapy via renal transplant, peritoneal dialysis, or hemodialysis (HD). The ideal form of renal replacement therapy is renal transplantation; however, due to a shortage in organ availability, transplantation is least commonly utilized. Peritoneal dialysis is underutilized due to the requirement of significant patient training and occasional financial disincentive from funding agencies. HD remains the most common form of renal replacement therapy. Nearly half a million people in North America underwent HD in 2018.1