The CiDA Meeting information is coming soon; previous meeting info may be found below for reference.

Simulation of Dialysis Access

One of the most valuable elements of the CiDA conference is the well-attended, intensive, half-day Simulation of Dialysis Access (SoDA) program being held 8 am - 12 pm, Thursday, October 26.

Modeled in part on the air travel industry’s approach to improving flight safety, SoDA teaches hands-on vascular surgical and endovascular techniques using simulation models under the supervision of leading vascular surgeons. This workshop has proven to be a popular and effective training method. Previous SoDA attendees have overwhelmingly reported that the learning format was interactive and engaging, they agreed that what they learned will ultimately benefit patient care, and they stated that they experienced no commercial bias.

Act Fast. Space Is Limited.

Join us at the intensive, half-day Simulation of Dialysis Access (SoDA) program.

New in 2023:

  • Increased use of covered stents for central venous obstruction
  • More aggressive treatment of central stenosis
  • Greater emphasis on percutaneous fistula creation
  • Increased use of ultrasound in arteriovenous fistula access

SoDA 2023 will once again use cutting-edge science and medical best practices to educate clinicians who see dialysis patients on a regular basis.  

Physicians will be introduced to hands-on simulations of a variety of techniques including:

Station 1: Laparoscopic Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement Simulation
Using a laparoscopic technique with an abdominal torso with artificial internal organs, simulation of placement of PD catheter will be performed. Advantage and limitations of the procedure will be discussed. Faculty: Dr. Chang

Station 2: Percutaneous Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement Simulation
Using an abdominal torso with artificial internal organs the trans-rectus muscle PD catheter is placed in a realistic simulated procedure. Additional procedures including fluoroscopically guided PD catheter placement will be addressed. Faculty: Drs. Sheta and Ramani

Station 3: Physical Examination Done Right 
Patients with AVFs and graft accesses will be at this station. Teaching on how to perform a complete physical examination of a dialysis patient. Will learn when further diagnostic evaluation of the a dialysis access is indicated. Faculty: Drs. Urbanes, Ross and Whittaker 

Station 4: Cannulation Simulation 
Ultrasound Guided cannulation with two needles at flow rate of 450-500 ml/min into a simulator Arm loop graft. Faculty: Ms. Litchfield and Mr. Rawls

Station 5: Knobology and Vascular Mapping
Understand the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of a dialysis access. Learn criteria of significant stenosis, perforators, steal syndrome and other pathologies. Discuss pre-operative vessel mapping and postoperative follow up. The vascular anatomy and blood flow findings will be used to discuss the options for the appropriate action guided by the specific findings. Faculty: Dr. Labropoulos 

Station 6: PTA and Beyond: Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty, Mechanically Modified PTA Balloons and Drug Coated Balloons
Case-based approach to fistula/graft stenosis with discussion of treatment options, technique, sizing, and other technical details to achieve optimal outcomes. Hands-on experience of different types of PTA options. Faculty: Drs. Trerotola and Kitrou

Station 7: Stent Graft Simulation in AV Access: Responsible On-label Stent Graft Use
Hands-on experience in a series of simulated AV access anatomies using simulated fluoroscopy/angiography/road mapping, with recreated touch-and-feel during stent-graft placement. Faculty: Drs. Harduin and Haskal

Station 8: Endovascular Fistula: Single Catheter System
At this hands-on station, attendees will view the anatomy of the antecubital fossa with ultrasound to simulate pre-operative vessel mapping and then be trained in the single catheter and power controller system techniques for endovascular AVF creation, using a series of simulated anatomy models. Faculty: Drs. Razdan and Mallios 

Station 9: Endovascular Fistula: Dual Catheter System
This hands-on station will address patient selection and the anatomy suitable for the dual catheter endovascular technique as determined on pre-operative vascular mapping and intra-procedural angiography. This technique uses magnets to position and electrocautery to create the anastomosis. Tips and tricks for success, animation, recorded cases and images of actual procedures will be displayed. The approach to AVF cannulation will be discussed. Faculty: Drs. Hohmann and Rajan

Station 10: Surgical Vascular Anastomosis
Using various, customized simulation models vascular anastomosis techniques are demonstrated with a range of grafts and instruments. Faculty: Drs. Fox and Morrissey 

Station 11: External Vascular Support for Surgical Vascular Anastomosis
Learn how to surgically implant an external vascular support devise in a surgical AVF anastomosis. Tips and tricks will be discussed for successful implantation. Faculty: Dr. Shahverdyan

Station 12: AV Access Thrombectomy
Hands-on experience with a variety of thrombectomy devices, technical tips on how to use them and discussion on advantages and limitations of the different devices in the market. Faculty: Drs. Razavi and Clark

These exercises will provide clinicians with a valuable opportunity to safely practice new techniques and develop a strong foundation for improving performance in their practices.
The information provided in this program is designed to meet the educational needs of the target audience:

surgeons, interventional radiologists, nephrologists, and medical staff who regularly care for dialysis access patients.