Prognostic factors and far infrared therapy of hemodialysis vascular access

Thrombosis and stenosis result in failure of vascular access and have a great impact on the quality of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Recognition of prognostic factors contributing to poor patency of vascular access will be helpful in distinguishing high risk patients susceptible to access failure. Disappointedly, there are limited valid methods to enhance the patency of vascular access until now. Many patients still suffered from repeated interventional therapy for failed vascular access and even need cuffed catheterization because of lacking suitable vessels for rebuilding of arteriovenous access. Far infrared (FIR) therapy is a novel therapeutic modality demonstrated to effectively enhance the primary patency rate of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and post-angioplasty patency rate for arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Besides, it is also shown to be beneficial in promoting maturation of AVF. Utilization of FIR therapy can help HD patients to reduce the need for interventional therapy and further preserve their blood vessels.