History of vascular access for hemodialysis

In recent years, the world has witnessed a steady increase in the number of patients with end-stage chronic renal failure receiving renal replacement therapy by hemodialysis. An important item for long-term hemodialysis treatment is a vascular access. Over the decades, large experience in vascular access surgery has accumulated, however, is still the problem of reliable and stable functioning permanent vascular access remains unresolved. This article highlights the key steps in history of permanent vascular access surgery and dialysis treatment.