SIR Publishes Practice Guidance on pAVF for Dialysis Access

September 9, 2025—The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) announced that a new practice guidance for the creation of percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas (pAVFs) for dialysis access was published by Bart L. Dolmatch, MD, et al in Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

According to SIR, the document serves as a summary of what is required to develop a pAVF program, including patient preparation, performance of the procedure, complication management, and follow-up care.

SIR further noted that the document is an update to procedural guidance approximately 6 years after the FDA provided clearance for the procedure, which has now been incorporated into many clinical practices as a durable means of providing functional dialysis access.

“End-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains a major source of patient morbidity and mortality across the world,” commented SIR President Robert A. Lookstein, MD, in the society’s press release. “A durable hemodialysis access fistula has been shown to reduce morbidity and improve ESRD patients’ quality of life.”

He continued, “By emphasizing the important role that interventional radiologists play in the longitudinal care of dialysis patients, including hemodialysis access fistula creation, this guideline helps ensure that interventional radiologists are recognized as vital members of the patient care team, which will be foundational to improving patient outcomes.”

Dr. Lookstein added, “This guideline allows interventional physicians to apply evidence-based approaches to fistula creation to improve patient care and quality of life.”