Benefits of Intraoperative Digital Subtraction Angiography in Primary Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Abstract

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is an ideal procedure for improving vascular surgery results, not yet in use for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. In a prospective study, the practicability and benefits of intraoperative completion DSA (CDSA) for this purpose were investigated. When the arteriovenous anastomosis was completed and clinically judged as running, DSA via percutaneous or open-site puncture was conducted. Findings and consequences were prospectively documented. From July 2005 to September 2006 a primary AVF was created in 54 patients. Fifty of these could be included in the study (68, 39-91 yrs). In 44 a forearm fistula, and in six patients an elbow fistula was newly created. In two cases we were unable to insert a cannula into the A. brachialis (study escape). In the remaining 48 cases, CDSA visualized afferent artery, anastomosis and draining vein. No complications occurred associated with CDSA; 3.5, 2-12 ml, contrast agent were required per patient. In 13 cases, CDSA revealed problems with the AVF that could be corrected immediately: the vein was freed from restraining soft tissue (n=4), a stealing venous branch was ligated (n=6), transluminal thrombectomy was conducted (n=1) or anastomosis was newly created (n=3). AVF could be successfully created proven by ongoing dialysis in 30 cases, and in eight cases as demonstrated by clinical and sonographic evaluations, resulting in a primary 1-yr patency rate of 79.2%. CDSA in AVF surgery is practicable and reveals conditions that can be corrected immediately, thus improving surgical outcome. Long since standard in other areas of vascular surgery, CDSA should become a routine procedure in AVF creation.