Authors: Torreggiani M, Scaramuzzi ML, Manini A, Castoldi F, Serpieri N, Maggi N, Sileno G, Migotto C, Esposito V, Montagna F, Esposito C
Abstract
Vascular accesses are essential for effective dialysis treatment. Arteriovenous fistulas, grafts and central venous catheters are the options available to the nephrologist, but they all have their pros and cons. All of the 3 types of vascular access share the same complications but at different rates, and their costs vary enormously, with on balance the arteriovenous fistula being the best choice. Nevertheless, recently the number of incident patients starting dialysis treatment with a venous catheter as vascular access has been steadily increasing. This is true even for more advanced countries such as the United States, where despite th...