Vascular access remains a key component of haemodialysis. The ideal vascular  access should provide safe and effective therapy by enabling the removal and return  of blood via an extracorporeal circuit. Vascular access should be easy to use, reliable  and have minimal risk to the individual receiving haemodialysis. However, the  provision of good quality access, whilst it is a fundamental aspect of the treatment of  haemodialysis patients, remains difficult to achieve.