A modified technique for arteriovenous fistula anastomosis: Preserving the surrounding tissue of the vein without the use of vascular clamps

Abstract

Background: This pilot study describes a new technique for creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and presents the preliminary outcomes after 1 year of follow-up. Methods: The study included 19 patients (10 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 62 years (range 26–88 years). All patients received an AVF using a modified technique in which the surrounding tissues were not removed from the veins and no elastic loops or vascular clamps were used. Results: Immediate patency was obtained for all patients. The proportion of patients experiencing primary patency at 30 days and 6 months was 89.5% and 83.1%, respectively, and cumulative patency at 30 days and 6 months was 100%. At 1 year of follow-up, primary patency was 83.1% and cumulative patency was 100%. Conclusions: Complete preservation of the surrounding venous tissue in the absence of vascular clamps successfully established AVF, with a high surgical success rate.