Evaluation of the Learning Experience after Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Placement Workshop Utilizing the Ellipsys Vascular Access System

Abstract

Objectives

Excellent ultrasound skills are crucial for planning and creating a percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (AVF). This study presents the findings of a workshop focused on training healthcare professionals in ultrasound-guided puncture techniques for percutaneous AVF (pAVF) placement using the Ellipsys vascular access system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Emphasizing the importance of ultrasound guidance in enhancing accuracy and safety, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to perform this procedure effectively.

Methods

The workshop consisted of didactic lectures, hands-on training sessions, and case-based discussions. Before and immediately after the workshop, the participants completed a paired, anonymous pre and postworkshop written survey. The workshop was conducted over a 1-day period 4 times over 13 months at a conference center in Bavaria, Germany. Twenty-one healthcare professionals (18 male and 3 female) from 14 tertiary and 7 secondary hospitals attended the workshop. Participants included vascular surgeons, nephrologists, and interventional radiologists.

Results

Participants significantly enhanced their knowledge about percutaneous endovascular AVF creation, with average knowledge scores increasing from 4.24 preto 2.33 postworkshop (P = 0.02). Participants demonstrated significant improvement in confidence of measuring vessels (1.71–1.38, P = 0.01). Further improvements reported were in ultrasound knowledge (2,10–1,90), confidence in identifying arteries (1,29 to 1,24) and veins (1,33–1,19), as well as confidence in depicting vessels in both transverse (1,29–1,10) and longitudinal (1,43–1,24) projections. These changes were not statistically significant. Feedback surveys indicated a high level of satisfaction with the educational content and hands-on training sessions, with scores for various aspects such as the achievement of personal learning goals (1.08), informativeness of teaching materials (1.09), and overall recommendation of the training (1.0).

Conclusion

The workshop provided participants with valuable hands-on experience and demonstrated significant improvement in their knowledge about ultrasound-guided AVF creation.