Access In Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

Hemodiyaliz Hastalarında Vasküler Erişim Yolları ve Hemşirelik Bakımı

Hemodiyaliz Hastalarında Vasküler Erişim Yolları ve Hemşirelik Bakımı

Investigation of status for vascular access in hemodialysis patients at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

To investigate the status of vascular access in hemodialysis patients in our center. Methods: The general information of hemodialysis patients and types and complications of vascular access at Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April 2015 to April 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among 258 prevalent patients, 87.60% of them had arteriovenous fistula (AVF), while 12.40% showed tunneled cuffed catheter. Of the 61 incident patients, 80.33% of them initiated dialysis with a non-tunneled and non-cuffed catheter, 8.19% with an AVF, 9.84% with a tunneled cuffed catheter, and 1.64% with needle puncture. The types of AVF access included 76.55% of wrist radiocephalic fistula, 7.08% of mid-forearm cephalic fistula, 11.06% of elbow brachiocephalic fistula, and 5.31% of antecubital fistula and transposed basilic fistula. Seventy-seven (34.07%) patients with AVF suffered complications and wherein aneurysms accounted for 24.34%. Conclusion: In maintenance hemodialysis patients, autologous AVF is the prevalent vascular access. In the beginners for dialysis, non-tunneled and non-cuffed catheter are their choice. Additional efforts and incentives may be necessary to improve vascular access during the initiation of hemodialysis.

A guide to vascular access in haemodialysis patients.

A guide to vascular access in haemodialysis patients.

Clinical predictors of recurrent stenosis and need for re-intervention in the cephalic arch in patients with brachiocephalic AV fistulas.

Cephalic arch stenosis is one of the most common reasons for repeated endovascular intervention and eventual abandonment of access in hemodialysis patients. There is no prediction model to identify risk factors for recurrent cephalic arch stenosis. We have developed a mathematical model to predict the need for reintervention in brachiocephalic (BC) fistulas with recurrent cephalic arch stenosis. Single-center retrospective analysis of 143 patients with a BC fistula referred to the vascular clinic for access dysfunction who underwent cephalic arch angioplasty were included for the analysis. Twelve-month post-index angioplasty data were analyzed using parametric, non-parametric and multiple regression models using SPSS software. The mean need for re-intervention in 1 year since first index visit was 2.46 ± 1.404. Statistically significant correlation (p≤0.001) for re-intervention was observed with the severity of stenosis at index visit, access flow, vessel wall diameter proximal to the stenosis, average venous pressure >50% of the delivered blood flow rate and prolonged bleeding for >30 minutes as a reason for referral. Three equations have been derived for calculating the need for re-intervention based on the diameter of the vessel wall proximal to the stenosis. Risk stratification of BC fistulas utilizing the above parameters could enable clinicians to identify accesses that are at risk for multiple re-interventions. Early identification of accesses that are at high risk for re-interventions at the cephalic arch might prolong access survival and reduce the cost for intervention by utilizing alternate strategies.

Cryopreserved venous allograft is an acceptable conduit in patients with current or prior angioaccess graft infection

ObjectiveThe durability of cryopreserved allograft has been previously demonstrated in the setting of infection. The objective of this study was to examine the safety, efficacy, patency, and cost per day of graft patency associated with using cryopreserved allograft (vein and artery) for hemodialysis access in patients with no autogenous tissue for native fistula creation and with arteriovenous graft infection or in patients at high risk for infection. MethodsPatients implanted with cryopreserved allograft for hemodialysis access between January 2004 and January 2014 were reviewed using a standardized, multi-institutional database that evaluated demographic, comorbidity, procedural, and outcomes data. ResultsThere were 457 patients who underwent placement of cryopreserved vein (femoral: n = 337, saphenous: n = 11) or artery (femoral: n = 109) for hemodialysis access at 20 hospitals. Primary indications for allograft use included high risk of infection in 191 patients (42%), history of infected prosthetic graft in 169 (37%), and current infection in 97 (21%). Grafts were placed more frequently in the arm (78%) than in the groin, with no difference in allograft conduit used. Mean time from placement to first hemodialysis use was 46 days (median, 34 days). Duration of functional graft use was 40 ± 7 months for cryopreserved vein and 21 ± 8 months for cryopreserved artery (P < .05), and mean number of procedures required to maintain patency at follow-up of 58 ± 21 months was 1.6 for artery and 0.9 for vein (P < .05). Local access complications occurred in 32% of patients and included late thrombosis (14%), graft stenosis (9%), late infection (9%), arteriovenous access malfunction (7%), early thrombosis (3%), and early infection (3%). Early and late infections both occurred more frequently in the groin (P = .030, P = .017, respectively), and late thrombosis occurred more frequently with cryopreserved artery (P < .001). Of the 82 patients (18%) in whom the cryopreserved allograft was placed in the same location as the excised infected prosthetic graft, 13 had infection of the allograft during the study period (early: n = 4; late: n = 9), with no significant difference in infection rate (P = .312) compared with the remainder of the study population. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary patency was 58%, 35%, and 17% for cryopreserved femoral vein and 49%, 17%, and 8% for artery, respectively (P < .001). Secondary patency at 1, 3, and 5 years was 90%, 78%, and 58% for cryopreserved femoral vein and 75%, 53%, and 42% for artery, respectively (P < .001). Mean allograft fee per day of graft patency was $4.78 for cryopreserved vein and $6.97 for artery (P < .05), excluding interventional costs to maintain patency. ConclusionsCryopreserved allograft provides an excellent conduit for angioaccess when autogenous tissue is not available in patients with current or past conduit infection. Cryopreserved vein was associated with higher patency and a lower cost per day of graft patency. Cryopreserved allograft allows for immediate reconstruction through areas of infection, reduces the need for staged procedures, and allows early use for dialysis.

Bovine carotid artery biologic graft outperforms expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for hemodialysis access

ObjectiveArteriovenous grafts remain reliable substitutes for permanent hemodialysis access in patients without a suitable autogenous conduit. Advances in conduit design and endovascular management of access-related complications question the preference for synthetic conduits over biologic grafts in contemporary practice. In this study, we compared outcomes between a bovine carotid artery (BCA) biologic graft and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts for hemodialysis access in a recent cohort of patients. MethodsThis was a single-institution retrospective review of 120 consecutive grafts placed in 98 patients between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2014. Univariate methods (χ2, analysis of variance, t-test) were used to compare demographic and medical characteristics of patients who received each graft type. Kaplan-Meier, log-rank tests, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses, and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate patency and graft complications. Outcomes were defined and analyzed according to reporting guidelines published by the Society for Vascular Surgery. ResultsOf the 120 grafts studied, 52 (43%) were BCA and 68 (57%) were ePTFE. Successful graft use for dialysis was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90%-100%) for BCA and 84% (95% CI, 74%-93%) for ePTFE (P = .055). Comparing BCA vs ePTFE, estimates for primary patency were 30% vs 43% at 1 year and 16% vs 29% at 2 years (P = .27). Primary assisted patency was 36% vs 45% at 1 year and 24% vs 35% at 2 years (P = .57). Secondary patency was 67% vs 48% at 1 year and 67% vs 38% at 2 years (P = .05). There were no differences in primary (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.40-1.28; P = .25) and primary assisted (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.46-1.65; P = .67) patency for BCA compared with ePTFE. However, secondary patency was higher for BCA compared with ePTFE (HR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.29-6.61; P = .01). Graft infection rates during the study period were 15.4% for BCA and 20.6% for ePTFE (P = .47). The significant predictors of graft failure were higher body mass index (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.11; P = .04) and hyperlipidemia (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.27-6.76; P = .01). ConclusionsIn this study of a recent cohort of patients who received arteriovenous grafts, primary and primary assisted patencies were similar between BCA and ePTFE grafts. However, secondary patency was higher for BCA, indicating better durability for the biologic graft than for ePTFE grafts in patients whose anatomy preclude placement of an arteriovenous fistula.

Hybrid Therapy Using a Surgical Thrombectomy with a Balloon Angioplasty to Regain Thrombosed Dialysis Vascular Access-Clinical Case Series

Introduction: Thrombectomy is the most common surgical method used to re-establish thrombosed vascular access, particularly in hemodialysis patients. To achieve better patient outcomes and to improve the prognosis for surgical thrombectomy, fistulography with balloon angioplasty to assist during surgery has been introduced in recent years. Methods: In this study, the results of hybrid therapy in 53 patients with thrombosed vascular access were examined. The success rate for re-opening vascular access and dialysis success were recorded, immediately, and at 1 m and 6 m after the surgical procedure. Results: Of 53 patients, 40 patients underwent balloon angioplasty. The success rate in the first session of dialysis after surgery was 85%. At 1 m and 6 m, the dialysis success rates were 75% and 55%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of hybrid method to re-establish vascular access in hemodialysis patients was not only quite effective but also showed several advantages over other conventional methods. Using this method, possible thrombotic lesions were evaluated and corrected with balloon angioplasty. In addition to reducing the risk of recurrent path failure, all these procedures can be performed during one session in the operating room, which led to reductions in surgical and recovery time and costs for both the surgeons and the patients.

The effect of an educational program for vascular access care on nurses' knowledge at dialysis centers in Khartoum State, Sudan.

End-stage renal disease is a worldwide problem that requires highly skilled nursing care. Hemodialysis (HD) is a corner-stone procedure in the management of most patients who require renal replacement therapy. Adequate vascular access is essential for the successful use of HD. Appropriate knowledge in taking care of vascular access is essential for minimizing complications and accurately recognizing vascular access-related problems. This study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program for vascular access care on nurses' knowledge at nine dialysis centers in Khartoum State. This was a Quasi experimental study (pre-and post-test for the same group). Sixty-one nurses working in these HD centers were chosen by simple random sampling method. A structured face-to-face interview questionnaire based on the Kidney Dialysis Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines for vascular access care was used. Instrument validity was determined through content validity by a panel of experts. Reliability of the instrument was tested by a pilot study to test the knowledge scores for 15 nurses. The Pearson correlation coefficient obtained was (r = 0.82). Data collection was taken before and after the educational intervention. A follow-up test was performed three month later, using the same data collection tools. Twenty-two individual variables assessing the knowledge levels in aspects related to the six K/DOQI guidelines showed improvement in all scores of the nurses' knowledge after the educational intervention; and the differences from the preeducational scores were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The study showed that a structured educational program based on the K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines had a significant impact on the dialysis nurses knowledge in caring for vascular access in HD patients. The knowledge level attained was maintained for at least three months after the educational intervention.

Decreased Incidence of Clotted AV Access in Hemodialysis Patients after the Implementation of Follow up Program.

Access monitoring and pre-emptive angioplasty is known to decrease the incidence of AVF/AVG thrombosis. The effect on increase the longevity and functionality of Arterial-Venous access (AV access) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is not settled. Thrombosis is the leading cause of vascular access complications and is almost always associated with the presence of stenosis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an accepted treatment of stenotic lesions in AV access (NKF 2001). The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of follow up of ESRD patients in the dialysis access center with preemptive angioplasty on access thrombosis. This is a single center observational interventional study extended over 9 years (Jan 1, 2006 to Dec 31, 2014) at the Dialysis Access Center of Pittsburgh, PA. The study is divided into 2 periods, period A (from Jan 2006 to December 2009), where follow up program was not in place. Period B extends from (January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014). In this period, a follow up of patients with preemptive angioplasty of AV access has been implemented. We decided not to include 2010 as the program is implemented at the end of that year and including this year might skewed the data. All patients with ESRD on HD are seen in the Dialysis access center of Pittsburgh for access monitoring and interventional PTA if deemed necessary. Patients' data were abstracted from the electronic medical records. The study is approved by the IRB of Lifeline corp. During period A; a total of 4139 encounters with a mean of 1034, (1653 angioplasties with mean of 413/year, 375 angiogram, mean 94/year, and 303 thrombectomies of AVF/AVG with a mean 76/year) were carried out. Thrombectomies constituted (7.3%) of the total procedures performed.Table 1 showed the mean distributions of AVG, AVF, and tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) frequencies compared to national average in periods A & B.In period B, a total of 6229 encounters with mean of 1557 encounter/year were performed, (3202 angioplasties, mean 801/year, 950 angiograms, mean 238/year, and 196 thrombectomies, mean 42/year) were done. Thrombectomies were decreased almost 2 folds in this period (7.3% to 3.15%).The percentage of patients being dialyzed via TDC decreased in period B from 31.895% to 17.38%. The numbers of thrombectomies have also been decreased from average 76 to 42 /year (7.3% to 3.15%).After implementing the program, as illustrated in period B, compared to the national average, the frequency of thrombectomies (3.15% vs. 9.6%) and TDC use (17.38% vs. 18%), have showed significant improvement. Meanwhile, the number of PTA has doubled from an average of (413 to 801/year) between the 2 periods. Our fistula rate has gone up from 48.7% to 66.2% between the 2 periods. Mild increase of the AVG use (12.07% to 18.07%) has also been observed. However, the use of TDC has decreased from (31.42% to 17.38%). These results are consistent with the motto of (fistula first and catheter last). The growth of PTA may explain the positive impact of this program on the number of thrombectomies as well as maintenance of access functionality in ESRD patients. The rate of PTA has gone up from (39.85% to 51.25%). This trade off may be acceptable if access patency and functionality have to be maintained. It is not clear whether the follow up program with preemptive angioplasty would have a positive effect on the access expenditure and access longevity in this group of patients. Follow up of ESRD patients in the dialysis access center and preemptive angioplasty if need be is an acceptable means to decrease the number of failed accesses, thrombectomies, as well as the use of TDC in ESRD patients.

Practical Strategies for Decreasing and Controlling Permi-Cath Infection in Patients on Hemodialysis

Background: One of the methods for achieving vascular access in hemodialysis patients is using cuffed hemodialysis catheters (permicath), which has some risks such as infection. Staphylococcus is the most common microorganism that causes permi-cath infection, and has contaminated 90% of clinical staff. Objectives: This study aimed to determine some strategies to reduce the level of permi-cath infection in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This was an action research, conducted on 32 patients with permi-cath, 21 of whom had acquired this infection in the past six months. The subjects were selected through convenient sampling. The required data were collected by observations, interviews and using the data documented in the patients’ medical files as well as a questionnaire. The etiological factors of permi-cath infection were investigated; the strategies were determined through staffs’ participation and using a standard guideline. Economical strategies were administrated based on their priority and applicability. Results: Twenty-five (65 %) patients received antibiotics (vancomycin); this number decreased to one (4.6%) after the intervention. Fourteen (44 %) were hospitalized before the intervention; this also decreased to zero after the intervention. Therefore, there was a statistically significant difference between the number of patients taking antibiotics before and after the intervention. Conclusions: Action research is an appropriate method for changing and improving nurses’ practice. Since staffs’ viewpoints are considered in this method, it makes them accept the required changes more rapidly. In addition, the decisions that are made will be more stable.

Retrospective review of arteriovenous fistula success rate in a multi-ethnic Asian population.

Native vein arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the recommended first-line vascular access in hemodialysis patients. Despite this, AVFs are plagued with unfavorable maturation rates. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to assess the AVF success rate and to identify any significant associating factors. Demographic and clinical data of all AVFs created from January 2011 to June 2013 at a single center with a multi-ethnic Asian population, were reviewed. The primary outcome was AVF successfully used for hemodialysis (FUSH) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were the overall FUSH and actual maturation time of the AVFs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with AVF success. A total of 375 fistulas were created during the study period (110 radiocephalic, 176 brachiocephalic, 89 brachiobasilic). The mean age was 59.4 ± 12.6 years and 42.9% were females. Seventy-one percent of patients had diabetes, 32.5% had ischemic heart disease and 10.7% had peripheral vascular disease. 246/375 (65.6%) AVFs FUSH by 6 months, and the average AVF maturation time was 16.1 ± 10.7 weeks. Of the 246 AVFs, 11% required secondary procedure to assist their success. Univariate analysis showed that gender (p = 0.035), age (p = 0.018), vein size on pre-operative vein mapping (p = 0.004) and operating surgeon (p = 0.021) were significant factors associated with AVF success. On multivariate analysis, age, pre-operative vein size and operating surgeon were significantly associated with fistula success. Reasonable FUSH rates can be achieved in the study patients. Patient age, pre-operative vein mapping size and operating surgeon were shown to influence AVF success rate.

Outcome of permanent vascular access for haemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease in Cameroon: results from the pilot experience of the Douala general hospital

Background Chronic Kidney disease is a major health problem in the world. Native arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) is well established as the best vascular access for haemodialysis. Little is known about the outcome of AVF in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to analyze the outcome of patients undergoing AVF creation during the pilot program established at the Douala general hospital (DGH).Method This was hospital-based, longitudinal study with a retrospective phase (April 2010–January 2014) and a prospective phase (January 2014–April 2014). All consecutive patients operated for AVF creation were included in this study. Socio-demographics data, functionality, and complications were analyzed.Results Eighty-one patients including 52 men were enrolled in this study (49 prospectively and 32 retrospectively). The mean age was 52, 3 years (range 18–81 years). Hypertension (66, 7%), diabetes (17, 3%), and HIV (8, 6%) were the most observed co-morbidities. About 96.3% of AVF were native and 3.7% were prosthetic graft. Radiocephalic AVF was performed at a rate of 77.8%. The primary function rate was 97.7% and the mean follow-up period 43.4 weeks. The overall rate of complications was 44.4% of whom 30.5% were early, 30.5% secondary, and 39% lasted. The treatment of these complications was conservative in 48.7% of cases.Conclusions The results of the pilot program of AVF creation at the DGH are encouraging. However, the sustainability of this project requires human capacity building.

Role of interventional radiology in maintaining the vascular access for hemodialysis patients

Background and aim Vascular access dysfunction is serious for hemodialysis patients. Interventional radiologist is able to salvage hemodialysis access fistulas with excellent clinical success. Patients and methods The procedures were carried out in the Interventional Radiology Unit of National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2010 and March 2012. In total, 60 patients of vascular access dysfunction were included, who underwent diagnostic interventional angiographic procedures. Results A total of 60 patients included in study were divided into three groups: group I, which included six patients (10%) with synthetic grafts; group II, which included 15 patients (25%) with tunneled dialysis catheter; and group III, which included 39 patients (65%) with native fistulas. The angiographic success rate was lower for fistulas than for grafts (74.36 vs. 83.33%). Conclusion The catheter-based treatment of thrombosed and failing hemodialysis accesses achieves technical and clinical success in the majority of cases and allows patients to undergo immediate hemodialysis without the need for the placement of temporary dialysis catheters or surgical consumption of additional venous conduits.

A 55-year-old female presenting with central venous stenosis

Introduction: Patients who have failed arteriovenous grafts (AVG) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and are central venous catheter (cVc) dependent have a new option for hemodialysis access: the hemodialysis reliable outflow (HerO) graft. Our patient required hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (EsrD) secondary to uncontrolled diabetes. case report: A 55-year-old female presented with multiple AV fistula and AV graft failures due to venous outflow obstruction. she was catheter-dependent for hemodialysis access with evidence of central venous stenosis. the patient also presented with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure on pressure support ventilation and recurrent pleural effusions due to volume overload. With all other options exhausted, she underwent HerO graft placement complicated by postoperative steal syndrome, and multiple thromboses. conclusion: the HerO graft is an option for long-term hemodialysis access for patients who are refractory to traditional approaches and are catheter-dependent. thrombosis and steal syndrome may be more common complications of the surgery than previously suspected, but may be manageable if caught early. In comparison to central venous catheters, with the HerO graft, infection rates are reduced and flow rate can be

Severe Endothelial Damage in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Prior to Haemodialysis Vascular Access Surgery.

Hemodialysis as an efficient therapy for advanced CKD is the most used treatment modality all over the world. Even though primary AVF is widely accepted as a best permanent vascular access in hemodialysis patients, up to 60% of all fistulas fail to mature. The pathogenesis of early fistula failure is not very well understood. Many general and local factors are involved: patient's age, sex, primary renal disease, small vessel's diameter, presence of accessory veins, prior venipunctures, surgical skill, genetics, etc. Histological investigations have confirmed the neointimal venous hyperplasia as a major pathological finding in stenotic lesions of AVF failure, due to local inflammation, oxidative stress and migration and proliferation of myofibroblasts, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. A total of 89 patients with stadium 4-5 of CKD are involved in the study. A typical radio-cephalic AVF is created in all patients. Part of the fistula vein was taken for histological, immunohistochemical (Vimentin, TGF β and KI67) and morphometric analysis. Appriopriate statistical method was applied. Up to 80% of the patients showed some degree of endothelial changes at the time of creation of AVF, among them 19 pts with substantial intimal hyperplasia, 51 with medial hypertrophy and 19 pts with normal histology. Almost two thirds of the patients did not have expression of TGFβ. More than 95% had some expression of Vimentin. None of the patients had expression of the marker KI 67. Medial hypertrophy is predominant preexisting pathohistological lesion prior the AVF creation, despite the presence of neointimal hyperplasia. The absence of TGFβ expression in majority of our patients could suggest that inflammation and oxidative stress are developing later, after vascular access surgery. The dominant cells within the stenosis in the veins are myofibroblasts. Their increased presence maybe a reason why some patients are prone to developing venous endothelial changes as a results of exaggerated vascular endothelial response to the effect of uremia, hypertension and other insults.

An Evaluation of the Quality of Nursing Care Provided for Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Care for vascular access of patients undergoing hemodialysis is a critical issue. Inflammation and subsequent infection are the major factors which threaten patients' health and diminish effectiveness of hemodialysis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the severity and incidence of inflammation of vascular access in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Emam Reza and Montazerie Hospitals in Mashhad, June, 2014. Evaluation of inflammation severity over the course of one month (12 hemodialysis sessions) was performed by means of an inflammation tool designed by the Board of Nursing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, and performing descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results:The mean and standard deviation of incidence of inflammation in the first session of hemodialysis was 3.2±1.3 cases. The mean and standard deviation of the intensity of inflammation was 12.5±4.7. Conclusion: Since inflammation of vascular access in hemodialysis patients impairs their safety and health improvement, necessary measures to reduce this complication must be taken.

Impact of C-Reactive Protein Variability on Failure of Dialysis Access in Hemodialysis Patients

Impact of C-Reactive Protein Variability on Failure of Dialysis Access in Hemodialysis Patients

Alternative grafts for brachioaxillary hemodialysis access: 1-year comparative results

BACKGROUND: Many chronic renal patients lack autologous veins in the upper limbs suitable for construction of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Alternative fistula options for these patients should be evaluated and compared.OBJECTIVE: To compare different types of grafts used for brachioaxillary access in hemodialysis patients in terms of their patency and complication rates.METHOD: Forty-nine patients free from arterial system abnormalities and with no venous options for creation of arteriovenous fistulae in the arm and/or forearm underwent brachioaxillary bypass with implantation of autologous saphenous vein, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or PROPATEN(r) grafts. Patients were assessed by Doppler ultrasonography at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery,.RESULTS: The four first saphenous vein grafts had failed by 3 or 6 months after surgery. The autologous saphenous vein group was discontinued at the beginning of the study because of extreme difficulty in achieving puncture and hematoma formation. Failure rates of PTFE and PROPATEN(r) grafts did not differ after 3 (p = 0.559), 6 (p = 0.920), or 12 months (p = 0.514). A log-rank test applied to cumulative survival of grafts at 1 year (0.69 for PTFE, 0.79 for PROPATEN(r)) detected no significant differences (p = 0.938). There were no differences in complications resulting in graft failure between the two types of prosthetic graft.CONCLUSION: Autologous saphenous vein grafts do not appear to be a good option for brachioaxillary hemodialysis access because of difficulties with achieving puncture. Brachioaxillary fistulae constructed using PTFE or PROPATEN(r) grafts exhibited similar patency and complication rates. Further studies with large samples size are warranted to confirm our findings.

Pre-existing Arterial Micro-Calcification Predicts Primary Unassisted Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.

Vascular access micro-calcification is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients but its influence on vascular access patency is still undetermined. Our study aimed to determine the impact of arterial micro-calcification (AMiC) on the patency of vascular access in HD patients. One-hundred fourteen HD patients receiving arteriovenous fistula (AVF) operation were included in this study. During the operation, we obtained partial arterial specimen and performed pathological examination by von Kossa stain to identify AMiC. We compared primary unassisted AVF failure within 1 year between positive and negative AMiC groups, and performed Cox regression analysis for evaluating risk factor of AVF failure. The incidence of AMiC was 37.7% and AVF failure occurred in 45 patients (39.5%). The AVF failure rate within 1 year was greater in the positive AMiC group than those in the negative AMiC group (53.5% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the positive AMiC group had a lower AVF patency rate than the negative AMiC group (p = 0.02). The presence of AMiC was an independent risk factor for AVF failure. In conclusion, preexisting AMiC of the vascular access is associated with primary unassisted AVF failure in incident HD patients.

One-stage vs. two-stage brachio-basilic arteriovenous fistula for dialysis access: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

IntroductionA brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula (BB-AVF) can provide access for haemodialysis in patients who are not eligible for a more superficial fistula. However, it is unclear whether one- or two-stage BB-AVF is the best option for patients.AimTo systematically assess the difference between both procedures in terms of access maturation, patency and postoperative complications.MethodsOnline search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared the one-stage versus the two-stage technique for creating a BB-AVF.ResultsEight studies were included (849 patients with 859 fistulas), 366 created using a one-stage technique, while 493 in a two-stage approach. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of successful maturation (Pooled risk ratio = 0.95 [0.82, 1.11], P = 0.53). Similarly, the incidence of postoperative haematoma (Pooled risk ratio = 0.73 [0.34, 1.58], P = 0.43), wound infection (Pooled risk ratio = 0.77 [0.35, 1.68], P = 0.51) and steal syndrome (Pooled risk ratio = 0.65 [0.27, 1.53], P = 0.32) were statistically comparable.ConclusionAlthough more studies seem to favour the two-stage BVT approach, evidence in the literature is not sufficient to draw a final conclusion as the difference between the one-stage and the two-stage approaches for creation of a BB-AVF is not statistically significant in terms of the overall maturation rate and postoperative complications. Patency rates (primary, assisted primary and secondary) were comparable in the majority of studies. Large randomised properly conducted trials with superior methodology and adequate sub-group analysis are needed before making a final recommendation.