AV Fistula Ultrasound in London
Specialist duplex ultrasound assessment of arteriovenous fistulas, including dialysis access fistulas and other suspected abnormal connections between arteries and veins.
Tunica Diagnostics provides focused vascular ultrasound examinations at our private clinic in Central London.
- Specialist duplex ultrasound
- Dialysis and other AV fistulas
- Central London
AV Fistula Doppler Ultrasound
Assessment of arterial and venous blood flow in dialysis access fistulas and other arteriovenous connections.
What is an arteriovenous fistula?
An arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) is a direct connection between an artery and a vein.
Some AV fistulas are created surgically to provide vascular access for haemodialysis.
Others may develop after injury or a medical procedure, or occur spontaneously. Ultrasound can help assess their anatomy and blood-flow characteristics.
Which AV fistulas can be assessed?
The examination is tailored to the clinical question and location of the suspected or known fistula.
Dialysis Access AV Fistulas
Surgically created fistulas used for haemodialysis may be assessed for vascular anatomy, blood-flow characteristics and potential complications.
- Access inflow and outflow
- Blood-flow measurements where appropriate
- Suspected narrowing or thrombosis
- Aneurysmal changes and other visible access abnormalities
Other Arteriovenous Fistulas
Ultrasound may also help investigate suspected abnormal artery-to-vein connections outside dialysis access.
- Suspected post-traumatic AV fistulas
- Suspected fistulas after vascular procedures
- Localised abnormal blood-flow patterns
- Assessment of accessible vessels near the suspected connection
What does an AV fistula ultrasound assess?
Duplex ultrasound combines anatomical imaging with Doppler assessment of blood flow.
Vessel Anatomy
Assessment of accessible arteries, veins and the fistula connection.
Blood-Flow Patterns
Doppler evaluation of flow direction, velocities and relevant haemodynamic characteristics.
Potential Complications
Assessment for visible narrowing, thrombosis, dilatation or other relevant vascular abnormalities.
What happens during an AV fistula ultrasound?
Clinical Information
The reason for the examination, fistula location, previous procedures and any relevant symptoms are considered.
Duplex Imaging
Ultrasound is used to examine accessible vessels and evaluate blood-flow characteristics.
Findings
Relevant findings are documented to support interpretation and any further clinical management.
Can ultrasound assess every AV fistula?
Ultrasound is particularly useful for accessible superficial vascular structures, but it has limitations.
Deep or anatomically complex fistulas may not be fully assessed by ultrasound alone. Further imaging or specialist evaluation may be required. For dialysis access, ultrasound findings must be interpreted alongside access function and the dialysis team's clinical assessment.
If a dialysis fistula suddenly loses its usual vibration or thrill, contact your dialysis or vascular access team urgently. Active bleeding from a fistula requires immediate pressure and emergency medical help. Severe pain, a cold hand, new weakness or rapidly increasing swelling also require urgent assessment. Do not wait for a routine private ultrasound appointment.
AV fistula ultrasound price in London
AV Fistula Duplex Ultrasound
Focused duplex assessment for dialysis access fistulas or other suspected arteriovenous connections.
AV fistula ultrasound in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist vascular ultrasound examinations at our clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Tunica Diagnostics
Until
111 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: 020 8058 0725
Contact the Clinic →AV fistula ultrasound FAQs
What is an AV fistula ultrasound?
An AV fistula ultrasound is a duplex examination that assesses the anatomy and blood flow of an arteriovenous connection.
Can you scan a dialysis access fistula?
Yes. The examination can assess accessible dialysis access fistulas, including arterial inflow, venous outflow and relevant blood-flow characteristics.
Do you assess AV fistulas that are not used for dialysis?
Yes. Ultrasound may be appropriate for suspected abnormal connections between arteries and veins, including some post-traumatic or post-procedural fistulas. Suitability depends on their location and the clinical question.
Can ultrasound detect narrowing or thrombosis?
Duplex ultrasound may identify narrowing, thrombosis and altered blood-flow patterns in accessible vessels. Some findings require further investigation or specialist assessment.
Is the examination painful?
Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Some probe pressure may cause mild discomfort.
How much does an AV fistula ultrasound cost?
An AV fistula duplex ultrasound at Tunica Diagnostics costs £250.
Where is the clinic?
Tunica Diagnostics is located at Until, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Do you offer other specialist vascular scans?
Yes. Explore our specialist vascular ultrasound assessments , including renal artery Doppler, May–Thurner, Nutcracker Syndrome, PAES and other specialist examinations.
Enquire about an AV fistula ultrasound
Contact Tunica Diagnostics to discuss a focused duplex ultrasound examination and request an appointment at our Central London clinic.