Significance of digital subtraction angiography in evaluating peripheral arteriovenous shunts in dialysis patients

: Direct and indirect examination of arteriovenous shunts was performed in 50 patients undergoing haemodialysis. The various methods of puncture of the vessels, the indications and the limitations of DSA are considered. The advantages of direct puncture of the arteriovenous shunt are emphasised. Puncture of the venous branch is almost without risk and allows immediate diagnosis. Only in a very few cases it will be necessary to perform the risky puncture of the arterial branch or the time-consuming central venous injection of a bolus of the contrast medium.