Vienna Vascular Access Studied on Exchange of Dialysis Catheters for Shunts Where Feasible

We will conduct a cross-section analysis regarding patients with catheter-based vascular Access (VA) in Vienna.

Collected data will include demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, co-morbidities and imaging data from sonography and computer tomography.

Patients of interest will be assessed through a standardized clinician-executed questionnaire aimed at investigating their medical history regarding their VA.

Patients will be evaluated for the feasibility of an arteriovenous VA. Patients will receive standard of care ultrasound-based arterial and venous mapping.

Study Rationale The rate of dialysis via catheter systems is around 40% in Vienna whereas in neighboring Germany this rate is historically below 15% according to the latest update of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Therefore, possibly up to 20% of the patients receiving chronic dialysis in Vienna could be eligible for an arteriovenous VA. In absolute numbers we expect up to 400 patients.

By means of Vienna ACTS NOW the current situation will be meticulously assessed with the aim to improve the provision of medical care for dialysis patients in Vienna by exchanging catheters for arteriovenous VAs (where feasible and desired).

The collected data will serve as the basis of a future prospective interventional study.