Maintenance of vascular access is required in order for patients to receive dialysis therapy. The maintenance of vascular access in the end stage renal disease (ESRD) patient is critical for their survival. Complications related to dialysis access oftentimes interrupt therapy and are a source of significant morbidity and cost. Current practice allows a multidisciplinary approach to this problem. Each discipline has unique and specialized tools that can be applied to patient care. Too often, however, these disciplines work in isolation. Recent data would support that this multidisciplinary approach is in fact important. The critical need is clearly to improve communication and dialogue amongst the various disciplines. This educational activity targets medical professionals who work with end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to improve aspects of care related to patients’ dialysis access (fistula/graft).

Throughout this seminar, the emphasis will be on creation of optimal vascular access, presentation of the latest techniques for preservation of vascular access, and a special emphasis on the critical role of dialysis nurses in these areas.