Ultrasound in vascular access management – How to start and enhance a comprehensive program

Abstract

This article presents the author ́s perspective of a VA ultrasound program, after its implementation and expansion in the Nephrology Department of Hospital Curry Cabral. The programme was founded in mid -2017 as an external consultation, and then enhanced to give support to hospitalized patients (dialysis or pre -dialysis patients admitted for or with vascular issues). A total of 330 vascular mapping and 278 VA ultrasound evaluations were performed by December 2020.