Transvenous serial xero-arteriography: a new non-invasive angiographic method for AV-fistulas in haemodialysis patients.

A new technique--transvenous serial Xero-arteriography (TSXA)--was evaluated in order to avoid the risks of the commonly used angiographic methods in av-fistulas. The contrast medium is injected intravenously in the contralateral forearm, an average of 5 per cent of the total contrast medium appearing in the arm to be examined. The Xerox-system now allows visualisation of both arteries and fistulated veins. Using a cassette-changer morphologic and functional alterations can be examined. TSXA is largely free of risk, avoiding arterial access and patient discomfort. TSXA gives reliable information about the real haemodynamic situation of av-fistulas including morphologic and functional alterations. Thus, surgical procedures can be performed more precisely, more carefully and time-saving.