The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) published new practice guidance for the creation of percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas (pAVFs) for dialysis access. The guidance was published online in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR).

The document serves as a summary of what is required to develop a pAVF program, including patient preparation, performance of the procedure, complication management and follow-up care.

“End-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains a major source of patient morbidity and mortality across the world,” said SIR President Robert A. Lookstein, M.D., FSIR.

“A durable hemodialysis access fistula has been shown to reduce morbidity and improve ESRD patients’ quality of life. By emphasizing the important role that interventional radiologists play in the longitudinal care of dialysis patients, including hemodialysis access fistula creation, this guideline helps ensure that IRs are recognized as vital members of the patient care team, which will be foundational to improving patient outcomes.”

The document is an important update to procedural guidance nearly six years after the Food and Drug Administration provided clearance for the procedure, which has now been incorporated into many clinical practices as a durable means of providing functional dialysis access.

“This guideline allows interventional physicians to apply evidence-based approaches to fistula creation to improve patient care and quality of life,” said Lookstein.