Ultrasound Masterclass: Dialysis Fistulas

Ultrasound

Video course

by Elizabeth Tenny, BS RVT RDCS

The fistula is the dialysis patient’s lifeline, and ultrasound is the best tool to assess its condition and pre-empt fatal complications. In this course, we start with different types of dialysis access and fistula hemodynamics. We then dive deep into fistula assessment protocols, cover parameters used in reporting, and how to diagnose abnormal findings.

1h 4m

3 Quizzes

1 CME

What’s in it for you?

Master the most important skills

Learn the skills experts say you need to master in order to become a great clinician.

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After completing this course, you will be able to

Apply hemodynamic principles to identify the purpose, parameters, and complications of dialysis AVFs, especially as seen on ultrasound
Diagnose AVF normalcy or obstruction based on ultrasound findings
Explain the capabilities and limitations of ultrasound evaluation of dialysis fistulas
Discriminate between different types of dialysis access (e.g., radiocephalic, brachiocephalic, brachiobasilic)
Decide if AVF revascularization is necessary
Describe the common risk factors and at-risk populations of kidney failure dialysis patients

What's inside

Free

Chapter 1

Fistula first

This chapter covers why fistulas are preferred over other types of dialysis access. We also discuss surgical fistula creation, fistula types, and basic fistula flow dynamics.

5 lessons

15m

Fistula first intro

Choosing access for dialysis

Recognizing the Fistula First movement

Describing fistula creation and resulting hemodynamics

Optimizing your access

Fistula first quiz

Quiz

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Chapter 2

Utilizing ultrasound for fistulas

In this chapter, we’ll introduce the pros and cons of ultrasound and cover interpretation of deep venous thrombosis, vein mapping, and fistula maturing protocols.

8 lessons

30m

Utilizing ultrasound for fistulas intro

Pointing out the pros and cons of ultrasound

Using 2D and color

Using Doppler

Evaluating for deep vein thrombosis

Mapping for access (part 1)

Mapping for access (part 2)

Measuring for maturity

Utilizing ultrasound for fistulas quiz

Quiz

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Chapter 3

Normal, abnormal, and incidental findings

Here, we’ll cover parameters and velocities used in fistula ultrasound reporting, indications for fistula revascularization, and findings like aneurysms and hematomas.

5 lessons

19m

Normal, abnormal, and incidental findings intro

Interpreting a fistula protocol (part 1)

Interpreting a fistula protocol (part 2)

Poking around complications

Normal, abnormal, and incidental findings quiz

Quiz

Ultrasound Masterclass: Dialysis Fistulas outro

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Teachers of this course

Elizabeth Tenny, BS RVT RDCS

Elizabeth is a Senior Vascular Sonographer at Stanford University’s hospital in Stanford, California.

Teacher Profile

Medmastery

Nora Drenaline

Ultrasound

Claim your certificate

All members receive a certificate for completing this course. For Pro members, the certificate comes with 1 CME credits.

CME accredited

All our courses and workshops are fully CME accredited. We provide USA AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and European CME credits (ECMEC®s). Pro members can download their CME certificates upon successful completion of activities. Want to transfer these credits to your national system? No problem.

Learn how this works

CME at its best

Award-winning teaching method

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Medal
For outstanding digital education—Berlin 2013
Highly commended by the British Medical Association
Awarded in the digital category of the BMA Book Awards—London 2017
Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Seal
For outstanding digital education—Berlin 2017
Internationally accredited
CME accredited in the USA and EU with mutual recognition agreements in most other countries.
Trusted institutional partner
Used by residency programs and universities around the world to train their clinicians and students.
Top-rated by our learners
Rated excellent by hundreds of users on Trustpilot, an independent reviewing platform.

What’s in it for you?

Master the most important skills

Learn any skill in under 5 hours

Save time and money

After completing this course, you will be able to

What's inside

Fistula first

Utilizing ultrasound for fistulas

Normal, abnormal, and incidental findings

Claim your certificate

CME accredited

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Medal

Highly commended by the British Medical Association

Winner of the Comenius EduMedia Seal

Internationally accredited

Trusted institutional partner

Top-rated by our learners