Volume flow measurement using color velocity imaging quantification:clinical application in hemodialysis access

Objective To study the relationship between volume flow and patency,dialysis effect of hemodialysis access.Methods Access flow was measured by using CVIQ 78 times in 72 patients with hemodialysis.There were 57 Brescia Chimino fistulas and 15 grafts.Patency,volume flow during hemodialysis were followed.Results According to volume flow during hemodialysis and types of access,they were devided into 3 groups.Access with volume flow during hemodialysis ≥200 ml/min was included into Group A(Brescia Chimino fistulas) and B (grafts).Those with flow less than 200 ml/min were included into group C.Mean volume flow of CVIQ measurement in group A,B,C was 663.4 ml/min (177～1 913 ml/min), 931.5 ml/min(270～1 714 ml/min) and 210.7 ml/min(53～952 ml/min),respectively;times of examination included in 3 groups were 53,15 and 10,respectively.In group C,there were 8 cases with access flow 150 ml/min,in which 3 accesses were salavaged in 5 patients who were subsequently revised,while 3 patients left unrevised either occluded or had poor effect of hemodialysis.Inicially,volume flow of hemodialysis of 1 patients was 200 ml/min,after CVIQ measurement,reselected one vein with high volume flow to puncture,and volume flow during hemodialysis can reach 200 ml/min.Conclusions Hemodialysis access with volume flow less than 150 ml/min have poor function if left untreated.Immediate revision can prolong hemodialysis access.CVIQ measurement can also help site selection of hemodialysis puncture.