ISN Kidney Health Professional Working Group Webinar: Physical Examination of Arteriovenous Access: from inspection to clinical decision

This webinar will offer a practical, step-by-step approach to the physical examination of arteriovenous (AV) access in hemodialysis patients. Participants will learn how to systematically assess AV fistulas and grafts through inspection, palpation, and auscultation, integrating clinical findings into decision-making for optimal vascular access management. The session will also highlight common dysfunctions that can be detected during examination, emphasizing their implications for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Learning objectives:

- Perform a comprehensive physical examination of arteriovenous access using standardized inspection, palpation, and auscultation techniques.
- Identify and interpret common signs of AV access dysfunction based on clinical findings.
- Integrate physical examination results into clinical decision-making, recognizing when further imaging or intervention is warranted.