Chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease (ESRD) is an epidemic in the U.S. and abroad. Dialysis is the major form of therapy to keep these patients with ESRD alive and functioning in society. Vascular access is the life line of hemodialysis. Yet, many general nephrologists are not familiar with the concepts that underpin this crucial subspecialty of nephrology. This book is a compendium of vascular access insights designed to augment the knowledge base of the general nephrologist. This book provides up to date information for the clinical practice of general nephrology as it applies to the care of vascular access. We have assembled international experts in the field of vascular access as authors to elaborate on the science and clinical practice of nephrology as it relates to arteriovenous fistulae and grafts, central venous catheters, peritoneal dialysis and vascular access mapping and surgery.