The evaluation process of patient vessels helps to increase survival and decrease complications of a patient’s access. Mapping the veins of superficial leg or arm vessels is performed to determine the patency, size, condition (such as calcification or thickening), and course of superficial veins to be used for vein grafts or fistulas. The location of the vein may be marked on the skin overlying the veins. Tourniquets or other methods to accentuate the veins may be used before mapping for hemodialysis grafts or fistulas. (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), 2011).
AIUM Practice Guidelines: Practice Guidelines for the Performance of Peripheral Venous Ultrasound Examinations. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2011, 30 (1), 143-150.