Vessel Mapping
An ultrasound of your arms to determine best options for vascular access placements.
Your nephrologist requests an ultrasound of your arms as a tool for vascular access planning.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your nephrologist office and ask to speak with your Vascular Access Care Coordinator.
What is a vessel mapping?
Vessel mapping is an ultrasound procedure performed by moving a probe over both arms to obtain measurements of your blood vessels.
The ultrasound waves create pictures on the machine that shows your veins and arteries on both arms, which allows the technician to draw out a map for the vascular surgeon. This map gives the size and depth of your veins and arteries.
Vessel mapping can help the doctor plan if a fistula or graft is the best option for you.
No needles are used during the procedure & can only be performed at an AKDHC location.
Before your procedure
- Bring your insurance card and photo ID to appointment.
- Wear a shirt with loose sleeves that can be easily rolled up to your shoulders, or allows for easy arm removal without the need to undress.
- Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
- You may eat, drink and take medications as ordered.
During your procedure
You will be seated in a chair and extend your arms on an exam table. The technician will apply gel on your arms and a transducer will be used to examine your veins and arteries.
The technician will write down measurements of the images shown on the machine.
The exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
After your procedure
- You will receive a blue band. Keep this band until you are contacted by a Vascular Access Care Coordinator.
- One of our vascular surgeons will review and decide if a fistula or graft is the best option for you.
- Your results and recommendation will be shared with your primary nephrologist.
- When indicated by Nephrologist, you may be called to see one of our surgeons to discuss a plan or schedule for surgery.
Your Access Care Coordinator will call with instructions to “protect” and wear the blue bracelet on the RIGHT or LEFT arm.
“Protect” your arm means:
- No blood pressures
- No needle sticks (blood draws or shots)
- No IVs or PICC lines
*Finger pricks for blood sugar test are okay.
What Next?
- Annual vessel mapping is recommended.
- Be proactive, discuss timetable for fistula or graft placement with Nephrologists.
- A fistula can take 6 weeks to 6 months to mature before ready to use.
- When indicated by Nephrologist, you will be called to schedule access surgery.
Belly Mapping for Peritoneal Dialysis Access
If you are receiving detailed education to evaluate Peritoneal Dialysis as an option, you will need a “Belly Mapping”. The Nephrologist or Nurse will examine your belly to measure any scars.
Meet Our Ultrasound Coordinators
Llury Flores
Jose Martinez
Vascular Access Care Coordination Team
Additional Resources
www.kidney.org
www.lifeoptions.org
www.homedialysis.org
www.kidneycarepartners.org