End stage renal disease requiring dialysis is a common problem in older adults. Long-term dialysis access is created using a patient’s own arteries and veins or an implanted conduit. Over time dialysis access sites can become stenotic or clotted. Although physical exam and conventional angiography are useful for diagnosis of access issues, ultrasound is a non-invasive way to measure blood flow and look for areas of stenosis or clot. If an area of stenosis is found, conventional angiography can be used to repair the area.

The quality of any ultrasound image depends on multiple factors. These include the skill of the technician, the quality of the ultrasound machine, and the expertise of the physician reading the scan. Patients requiring an access ultrasound should seek a physician with a “RPVI” certification. RPVI stands for registered physician in vascular interpretation. To achieve this certification physicians must provide proof they have had instruction in vascular ultrasound as well as pass an examination showing expertise necessary to interpret vascular ultrasounds.

Dr. Kazil is a consummate Vascular Surgeon in Bradenton, FL who works at the Florida Surgical Clinic in Manatee County. Dr. Kazil is RPVI certified. She has experience in both reading vascular ultrasounds as well as endovascular and open vascular interventions. Patients looking for a gifted Bradenton Vascular Surgeon should contact Dr. Kazil at the Florida Surgical Clinic for the highest quality vascular care available.