Echotomography in arteriovenous fistulae.

We employed Echotomography (by 2.25-5MHz probes) as a quick procedure to measure the vessel diameter at definite points to detect aneurysms and their evolution, to evaluate the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) characteristics, to detect haematoma, thrombi, and collateral vessels. Echotomography is a non-invasive technique which may be performed repetitively even immediately after AVF surgery. It was most valuable in the examination of proximal AVF and internal shunts (autologous venous and bovine carotid grafts). Echotomography has proved to be accurate in studying the initial morphological and functional evaluation and follow-up of AVF.