End-stage vascular access failure: can we define and can we classify?

Abstract

The numbers of patients who have exhausted definitive access options will continue to increase. This simple classification allows the scope of the problem and proposed solutions to be identified. Furthermore, these solutions can be studied and treatments compared in a standardized fashion. The classification may also be applied if patients have the option of transplantation where iliac vessel preservation is desirable and prioritization policies may be instituted.