Use of digital subtraction angiography for evaluation of vascular access for hemodialysis.

We used digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with conventional methods of contrast injection to evaluate 13 failing vascular accesses in 12 patients undergoing hemodialysis. DSA results were confirmed in all cases by surgical findings and/or clinical follow-up. The DSA technique is extremely flexible and rapid and requires the injection of only small amounts of dilute contrast with much less patient discomfort. DSA is an excellent alternative to film screen angiography for the evaluation of vascular access complications.