The aim: Of the study was to present own experience in imaging forearm blood vessels before creating hemodialysis access.
Material and methods: The studied group consisted of 45 hemodialysed patients. Colour duplex sonography (US) was performed in 17 patients before creating the first hemodialysis fistula and phlebography in 27 patients before creating next fistula. In the first group diameter and blood flow parameters in the arteries and deep veins of the upper limb were evaluated. In the second group diameter of patients' veins was assessed. In patients before creating the first fistula the US examination in 4/17 cases showed blood vessels, which were insufficient to create fistula. Among 27 patients who underwent phlebography in 13 cases a stenosis or occlusion was demonstrated and in 6 lack of appropriate superficial veins.
Conclusions: Colour duplex sonography and phlebography are useful in evaluation of blood vessels before creating a vascular access. Phlebography is a method of choice in imaging subclavian and brachiocephalic vein.