Advanced, up-to-date & Highly Accredited USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous) in Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, a Diagnostic Centre Accredited by NABL and NABH for radiology and diagnostic imaging services, is available there. It is a specialised ultrasound test to check if blood is flowing through a venous fistula and the blood vessels involved. It is routinely used to investigate AV fistulas used for haemodialysis to attempt to evaluate the blood flow, vessel diameter, patency, and also any possible narrowing, thrombosis, or abnormal blood flow patterns. There is useful information that can be gleaned from the examination with regard to fistula function that can aid in further treatment or vascular access management.

What Is USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous)

A vascular fistula, also known as a surgically created connection between blood vessels, is an abnormal occurrence. It is common for patients in haemodialysis to have a fistula, which involves the creation of an artery and a vein to ensure that they can have dialysis treatment as and when needed. USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous) test investigates the drainage vein and the structure and blood flow of the fistula with the power of ultrasound imaging and Doppler technology. It can be used to determine if access is open, measure the characteristics of blood flow, and discern and detect any abnormalities that may impact the dialysis's functionality. There can be selected complications that are assessed of adjacent soft tissues in the examination.

Common Reasons for USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous)

• Assessment of fistula patency: To determine whether the fistula remains open and blood is flowing through it.
• Reduced dialysis blood flow: To investigate suspected problems when the fistula does not provide adequate flow during haemodialysis.
• Suspected stenosis: To evaluate possible narrowing in the fistula or its draining veins.
• Suspected thrombosis: To investigate a possible blood clot or obstruction affecting the vascular access.
• Fistula swelling: To assess swelling around the access and investigate selected vascular complications.
• Difficult cannulation: To help evaluate the fistula and surrounding vessels when needle placement has become difficult.
• Prolonged bleeding after dialysis: To investigate possible outflow obstruction or other access-related abnormalities.
• Abnormal fistula examination: To assess changes in the thrill, bruit, or other clinical findings reported by the treating team.
• Pre-dialysis access assessment: To evaluate a newly created fistula before it is used, when clinically indicated.
• Post-intervention follow-up: To assess blood flow after selected procedures performed to improve fistula function.

Conditions and Abnormalities Evaluated

Fistula Patency and Blood Flow

The examination is used to check if the fistula is open and if there is blood flow through the access. The information obtained from Doppler measurements varies depending on the protocol and technical suitability and can either show good flow velocity or a good flow volume.

Fistula Stenosis

Any constriction of blood vessels is called a stenosis. Stenosis/caval drainage of the fistula/vein may influence the blood flow and/or dialysis efficiency. The colour and spectral Doppler have the ability to assist in determining any unusual flow patterns or higher velocities, which can indicate stenosis.

Thrombosis and Vascular Obstruction

A blood clot may be an obstacle to the drainage of a fistula or to an opening in a fistula. Ultrasound can evaluate whether vessels are open or obstructions are present, and can provide evidence of vessel obstruction and/or thrombosis. It is important to have a timely evaluation by the physician if the fistula suddenly ceases to work.

Venous Outflow Abnormalities

When the vein bringing blood out from the fistula is a problem, the fistula is at risk of becoming compressed, swollen, and appearing to become "full," or of having poor access function, or continuing to bleed after dialysis. Doppler ultrasound can be helpful to assess the accessible outflow vessels and look for possible abnormalities.

Aneurysmal Dilatation and Pseudoaneurysm

Needles can be inserted back into the vessel multiple times, leading to a small section of the vessel enlarging, or a vessel's structure can be changed, causing a localized enlargement of a fistula. Ultrasound may be useful to evaluate the size and texture of an enlarged segment and/or to classify certain vascular disorders (such as suspected pseudoaneurysms).

Perivascular Collections and Soft Tissue Changes

Selected fluid collections or abnormalities of soft tissues around a fistula may be diagnosed during the examination. If your infection, bleeding, or other cause of the condition is suspected, further evaluation may be required.

Fistula Maturation and Follow-Up

In the case of an AV fistula (an artery connected to a vein), Doppler ultrasound can be used to measure the diameter, depth, and blood flow of the vessel to determine readiness for haemodialysis. Post-treatment selected access complications can be followed up as well.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides diagnostic imaging for patients with a focus on patient care and reporting. We want to examine the patient in a comfortable manner and to give him/her information that is consistent with the patient's signs, symptoms, dialysis history and physical examination, and with relevant information from medical records.

Book Your USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous)

If your doctor/nephrologist has advised your USG Colour Doppler Fistula (Venous) exam, you can book an examination at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy. Take previous Doppler reports, dialysis records, and your doctor's prescription (if available).