Arteriovenous Fistula In Hemodialysis Patients Research Articles

A perspective on integrated dialysis access management: in advance of integrated care plan

(To read the full article, in English or French, click on the pdf logo on the right). We would like to draw attention to the critical issue of dialysis access management and vascular access (VA) options in patients transitioning to chronic renal replacement therapy and from peritoneal dialysis (PD) to hemodialysis (HD). We advocate for the establishment of dedicated consultation services for integrated dialysis access management to optimize patient outcomes. We highlight specific cases where a tailored approach to VA selection is essential, emphasizing the importance of risk stratification and timely access preparation. The preferred use of arteriovenous fistula in HD patients and the challenges surrounding its maturation are discussed. We also explore circumstances necessitating urgent versus planned transitions to HD, incorporating considerations for patient-centered care and education. Sonography’s role in managing PD-related infections and the potential benefits of home HD in the transition process are also examined. We suggest the development of scoring systems to predict patient transitions and emphasize the need for an integrated approach to dialysis access management. Overall, we advocate for proactive measures to prevent vascular access failure and ensure a safe and effective transition process for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Randomized Control Trial on Internet-Based Self-Management of Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

ABSTRACT Purpose To assess the impact of incorporating internet-based resources and popular science workshops on self-care management among hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula. Design A randomized controlled trial involving 110 hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula, randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Methods The experimental group received self-management training utilizing internet resources and interactive workshops, while the control group received conventional health education methods. After the intervention, the self-management proficiency of both groups was assessed, including comprehension of arteriovenous fistula-related information, satisfaction levels, self-care abilities, engagement in functional exercises, quality of life, and other relevant factors. Findings Patients in the experimental group exhibited significantly greater proficiency in arteriovenous fistula self-management knowledge, higher levels of patient satisfaction, enhanced self-management abilities, improved functional exercise performance, and better overall quality of life compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions The combination of internet resources and popular science workshops presents a novel and promising approach for educating and promoting self-care management among hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistula. This method holds potential for widespread dissemination and implementation in science education. Clinical Evidence The study demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating internet-based resources and popular science workshops into self-management training for arteriovenous fistula among hemodialysis patients, as evidenced by improved knowledge, satisfaction, abilities, exercise performance, and quality of life in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Impact of stage-specific limb function exercises guided by a self-management education model on arteriovenous fistula maturation status.

The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, due to the lack of a unified exercise standard in China, many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF, leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise. The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take proactive health-related actions. This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in factors such as the maturity of AVF. To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises, directed by a self-management education model, on the maturation status of AVFs. This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province, China. Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method. The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb function exercises, informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages, in conjunction with routine care. Conversely, the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care. The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention, postoperative complications, and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons. Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean ± SD. The independent samples t-test was utilized for inter-group comparisons, while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons. For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution, the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. At the 8-wk postoperative mark, the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition, symptom prevention, and self-management compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical significance (P > 0.05). At 4 wk after the operation, the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group, this distinction was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). By the 8-wk postoperative interval, the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates, vessel diameter, and depth from the skin of drainage vessels (P < 0.01). Seven days following the procedure, the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of infection, thrombosis, embolism, arterial aneurysm stenosis, and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). By the 4-wk postoperative juncture, complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05). Stage-specific limb function exercises, under the guidance of a self-management education model, amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms. Additionally, they expedite AVF maturation and mitigate postoperative limb edema, underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.

Therapeutic strategies based on non-ionizing radiation to prevent venous neointimal hyperplasia: the relevance for stenosed arteriovenous fistula, and the role of vascular compliance.

We have reviewed the development and current status of therapies based on exposure to non-ionizing radiation (with a photon energy less than 10 eV) aimed at suppressing the venous neointimal hyperplasia, and consequentially at avoiding stenosis in arteriovenous grafts. Due to the drawbacks associated with the medical use of ionizing radiation, prominently the radiation-induced cardiovascular disease, the availability of procedures using non-ionizing radiation is becoming a noteworthy objective for the current research. Further, the focus of the review was the use of such procedures for improving the vascular access function and assuring the clinical success of arteriovenous fistulae in hemodialysis patients. Following a brief discussion of the physical principles underlying radiotherapy, the current methods based on non-ionizing radiation, either in use or under development, were described in detail. There are currently five such techniques, including photodynamic therapy (PDT), far-infrared therapy, photochemical tissue passivation (PTP), Alucent vascular scaffolding, and adventitial photocrosslinking. The last three are contingent on the mechanical stiffening achievable by the exogenous photochemical crosslinking of tissular collagen, a process that leads to the decrease of venous compliance. As there are conflicting opinions on the role of compliance mismatch between arterial and venous conduits in a graft, this aspect was also considered in our review.

Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for hematoma after autologous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.

To determine the risk factors and nursing countermeasures for post-operative hematoma in hemodialysis patients with autogenous arteriovenous fistula by logistic regression analysis. A retrospective analysis of 240 chronic hemodialysis patients admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 was performed. Physical and vascular examinations of the patients were performed by surgeons. Continuous care measures were implemented for all patients. The patient serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured on the day of inclusion and after the implementation of care measures. Self-management scales were used to analyze patients' self-management. Fatigue symptoms were assessed using the Fatigue Scale 14. The WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF score) was used to assess patients' quality of life. Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess negative affect. Treatment compliance was assessed according to 3 levels: complete compliance, compliance, and noncompliance. In all, 240 patients underwent 240 initial and 48 repeat procedures; 18 of the 240 patients experienced fistula failure, with an overall success rate of 92.5% (222/240). There were no significant differences in renal function, self-management, General Self-Efficacy Scale, fatigue symptom scores, and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the postoperative hematoma group and no-hematoma group before the continuous care. After continuous care, renal function, self-management, General Self-Efficacy Scale, fatigue symptom scores, and WHOQOL-BREF scores were better in the postoperative no-hematoma group than in the hematoma group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for postoperative hematoma showed that elevated Scr and BUN levels, decreased self-management and SAS scores and poor treatment compliance were independent risk factors for postoperative hematoma in hemodialysis patients with autologous arteriovenous fistulas (P < .05). Elevated Scr levels, elevated BUN levels, decreased self-management scores, decreased SAS scores, and poor treatment compliance were independent risk factors for postoperative hematoma in hemodialysis patients with autogenous arteriovenous fistulas. By providing continuous care to hemodialysis patients based on timing theory, the negative emotions can be alleviated and the self-efficacy, quality of life, and treatment compliance of the patients can be improved.

The effects of health education and exercise style changes on the maturation of autologous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Upper limb exercise has long been considered to be the main means to promote autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation, but in practice exercise intensity and compliance are both typically lacking. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the good effects of functional resistance or pressure exercise in patients with AVF. However, many patients' have difficulty complying with upper limb exercise programs without systematic health education. Therefore, we argue that resistance and pressure exercise supported by health education is actually the most beneficial for AVF patients. We randomly divided 114 patients into a control group and an experimental group of 57 patients each. In the control group, conventional care was used, and in the experimental group, online health education based on the IMB (Information-Motivation-Behavior skills) model and functional resistance and pressure upper limb exercises was implemented with the AVF side arm. The failure rate of AVF maturation, clinical maturation time, cephalic venous blood flow, vessel diameter, and vessel skin thickness were compared between the two groups. Fifty-five cases were included for each in the final study. The primary outcome of this study was the failure rate of AVF maturation. Secondary outcomes included clinical maturation time, cephalic vein flow, vessel diameter, and vessel thickness. The failure rate of AVF maturation in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the clinical maturation time in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group. For the remaining three indicators, there were between-group effects, time effects, and interaction effects in both groups. Comparison between groups showed that there was no statistical difference in the observed indicators of cephalic vein flow, vessel diameter, or vessel thickness between the two groups before the intervention but that there was a statistical difference at the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the intervention. A 2 × 2 comparison also showed that there was a statistical difference between the three indicators at each time point within the two groups. IMB model-based online health education combined with functional resistance and pressure exercises can improve AVF maturation status and accelerate AVF maturation within 12 weeks of surgery.

Analysis of high-risk factors for failure of autologous arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients

To investigate the high risk factors of failure of autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. A retrospective study was conducted, patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) undergoing AVF admitted to General Hospital of Western Theater Command from January 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled, including 107 patients with normal AVF and 168 patients with AVF dysfanction. According to the causes of AVF failure, the patients were divided into AVF stenosis group (n = 103) and AVF thrombosis group (n = 65). Age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease) and other clinical data of all patients were collected. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) within 1 month of AVF use in normal dialysis patients and 1 week before AVF failure. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of AVF dysfuction in MHD patients. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of risk factors on AVF dysfuction in MHD patients. (1) There were significant differences in age, BMI, hypertension, hemoglobin, hematocrit, PLR and CRP [age (years): 56.94±14.32, 58.83±14.05, 51.57±13.19; BMI (kg/m2): 22.83±3.10, 21.27±4.98, 23.35±2.72; hypertension: 93.20%, 64.62%, 86.92%; hemoglobin (g/L): 110.82±22.16, 88.70±24.00, 87.95±23.45; hematocrit: 0.350±0.069, 0.282±0.076, 0.275±0.071; PLR: 197.35±113.59, 192.55±138.25, 162.12±73.25; CRP (mg/L): 10.01±4.02, 8.18±5.42, 3.17±1.30, all P < 0.05], among AVF stenosis group, AVF thrombosis group and AVF normal group, there were statistically significant differences no statistically significant difference was found in other indexes among three groups. (2) Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 4.849, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.278-18.397, P = 0.020], elevated CRP levels (OR = 2.104, 95%CI was 1.533-2.888, P = 0.000) were associated with AVF stenosis. Elevated CRP levels (OR = 1.984, 95%CI was 1.442-2.730, P = 0.000) was an independent risk factor for AVF thrombosis. Analysis of ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of AVF dysfunction predicted by CRP was 0.712, 95%CI was 0.637-0.786, P = 0.000; CRP cut-off value was 1.8 mg/L, the sensitivity was 67.0%, the specificity was 83.7%. Elevated CRP is an independent risk factor for AVF failure in hemodialysis patients, which can be used to predict the occurrence of AVF failure.

Predictors of Outcome in Management of Ruptured Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi

Bleeding from ruptured arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) is a distressing complication resulting from multiple factors and can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. Objective: To analyze factors that contribute to the development of a bleeding ruptured AVF which could enable us to make decision regarding line of management for saving these AVFs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Vascular Surgery, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant (SIUT), including 52 patients presenting with burst arteriovenous fistula during the time period of six months. Data collection was carried out using a pretested questionnaire which comprised of detailed history regarding pre-operative and per-operative factors related to burst fistula. Results: The mean age of the patients was 35.7 ± 19.6 years with gender distribution identified as male (51.9%) and female (48.1%). The major outcome of the study was salvageability of AVF which was observed to be 36.5% among the study cohort. We also analyzed association of AVF salvageavility with pre-operative and intraoperative factors which showed its significant association with risk factors such as fistula age (&lt;40 or &gt; 40 days), area of surrounding inflammation, overlying skin, bleeding AVF before initiation of hemodialysis from fistula, type of cannulation, site of bleeding from AVF and ligation/repair status of fistula. Conclusions: Understanding these significantly associated factors could contribute to the early detection and allow measures aimed at averting adverse outcomes, which can span from the loss of vascular access to severe health problems and even, in some cases, prove fatal.

Ultrasound-Assessed Lesion Morphology and Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for de novo Dysfunctional Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-assessed lesion morphology on the outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) versus plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) treatment for de novo dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) lesions. This single-center retrospective study enrolled 114 consecutive patients (mean age, 73 ± 10 years; male, 69%) with de novo dysfunctional AVF lesions who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) using DCB (n = 48) and POBA (n = 66). The morphology of the stenotic lesions, evaluated using ultrasonography, was classified into intimal hyperplasia and shrinking types. The outcome measure was 12-month primary patency. Factors associated with loss of primary patency were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. The 12-month primary patency rate was significantly higher in the DCB group than in the POBA group (66.8 ± 7.1% versus 35.9 ± 6.3%, P = .006). The 12-month primary patency rate in the lesions with intimal hyperplasia type was not significantly different (DCB: 70.3 ± 9.5% versus POBA: 45.9 ± 8.0%; P = .310), whereas that in the shrinking type was significantly higher in the DCB group than in the POBA group (61.9 ± 10.6% versus 15.2 ± 8.1%; P < .001). The interaction analysis demonstrated that lesion morphology had a significantly different hazard ratio (HR) for restenosis between the POBA and DCB groups (P for interaction = .031). The multivariate analysis revealed that DCB usage (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.28, 0.87]; P = .015), ultrasound-assessed lesion morphology (shrinking type: aHR, 1.77; 95% CI: [1.07, 2.93]; P = .026), and location of stenosis (aHR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.46; P = .018) were significantly associated with AVF patency after PTA. This study revealed that lesion morphology evaluated using ultrasonography had a differential impact on DCB and POBA outcomes. The therapeutic effect of DCB was unexpectedly confirmed in the shrinking type. The effectiveness of DCB in inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation in intimal hyperplasia lesions was expected based on the known mechanism of action of paclitaxel. However the therapeutic effect of DCB was unexpectedly confirmed in the shrinking type too. We may not need to hesitate usage of DCB for shrinking type.

Role of drug coated balloon angioplasty in treatment of recurrent dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the safety, clinical benefits, and patency outcomes of using paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for the treatment of recurrent dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. Study design A nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted involving 20 patients who had previously undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for failing or failed AVF. Patients were assessed based on clinical criteria, and interventions were performed using paclitaxel-coated balloons. Clinical outcomes, including thrill, bruit, and hemodialysis function, were evaluated, and duplex assessments were conducted after 3 and 6 months to determine recurrent stenosis. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results The study included 20 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with a mean age of 49.4±17 years. After 2 weeks’ postintervention, all patients had adequate bruit, 16 (80%) patients had adequate thrill, and 19 (95%) patients had adequate hemodialysis. After 6 months, 70% of patients exhibited adequate thrill, while adequate bruit, and hemodialysis were observed in 75% of patients. Duplex assessments showed minimal recurrent stenosis after 3 and 6 months, with only a few cases of new stenotic lesions. Postoperative complications were infrequent, including one unrelated death, and a small number of central venous occlusions and infections. The study indicated a significantly improved efficacy of drug-coated balloon angioplasty over traditional angioplasty in maintaining AVF patency. Conclusion Paclitaxel drug-coated balloons offer a promising approach for treating recurrent dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae in hemodialysis patients. The study demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes, reduced restenosis rates, and improved patency compared with traditional angioplasty.

Effect of far-infrared therapy device on arteriovenous fistula maturation and lifespan in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the first choice of vascular access for hemodialysis treatment, and its surgical maturity rate is not high, and its postoperative complications (mostly stenosis) significantly shorten its life. At present, there are few studies on treatment methods to improve the maturity and survival of AVF. In this study, the effect of far infrared therapy (FIR) on the maturity and longevity of arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients was discussed, and the protective mechanism of AVF induced by FIR therapy was explored, aiming at exploring a new treatment method. The hemodialysis patients admitted to the 900th Hospital of the Chinese Joint Logistics Support Force of the People's Liberation Army from January 2021 to April 2023 were randomly divided into control group and intervention group, with 40 cases in each group. Among them, the control group was coated with mucopolysaccharide polysulfonate cream; Intervention group: The patients were treated with mucopolysaccharide polysulfonate cream and far infrared radiation at the same time. After 3 months' intervention, the arteriovenous fistula (vein diameter, mature time of arteriovenous fistula, blood flow controlled by pump during dialysis, blood flow of brachial artery during dialysis and the occurrence of complications of internal fistula (oozing, occlusion and infection) and the pain score (numerical rating scale, NRS) of the two groups were compared, and the curative effects were compared. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups (P > 0.05), which indicated that the study was comparable. After 3 months' intervention, the vein diameter, pump-controlled blood flow and brachial artery blood flow in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). And the maturity time, NRS score and complication rate of arteriovenous fistula were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The primary patency rate of AVF in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group, and the overall patency rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). As a promising new treatment method, far infrared therapy can effectively promote the maturity of AVF, increase venous diameter, pump controlled blood flow during dialysis, brachial artery blood flow during dialysis, and prolong the service life of AVF.

Comparing Effects of Rhythmic Breathing and Lidocaine Spray on Pain Intensity During Needle Insertion Into Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Hemodialysis patients suffer from pain caused by needle insertion into the fistula site. Non-pharmacological methods may be associated with acceptable effects. The present study aimed to compare the effects of two interventions on pain intensity during needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. This self-controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 54 hemodialysis subjects with arteriovenous fistula in Mashhad in 2021. In this regard, the patients were selected according to the inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two groups (lidocaine spray and rhythmic breathing). In each group, pain intensity was assessed based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) before the intervention, followed by measuring the post-intervention pain intensity during three consecutive hemodialysis sessions every other day. Regarding the lidocaine spray group, two puffs of 10% lidocaine spray (20 mg) were sprayed on the needle insertion site five minutes before cannulation. However, the patients in another group took a long deep breath through the nose with three numbers, held their breath in the lungs for three numbers, and slowly exhaled through the mouth with three numbers two minutes before cannulation. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20, and Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon, chi-squared, and paired t-tests were run. In this study, P < 0.05 was considered significant. The results represented a significant decrease in the pain severity scores of both rhythmic breathing (P = 0.023) and lidocaine spray (P < 0.001) groups after the intervention. Moreover, a more significant difference was observed between pre-and post-intervention pain intensity scores in the group treated with lidocaine spray (1.16 ± 1.56) compared to the other group (0.508 ± 1.25). The lidocaine spray group had a larger difference in the pre-and post-intervention pain intensity scores than the rhythmic group; however, the difference was not significant. The rhythmic breathing can be used by nurses as a non-pharmacological method with low complications in hemodialysis departments because of declining pain.

Knowledge of arteriovenous fistula care in patients with end-stage kidney disease in south Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To find the prevalence of knowledge of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) self-care, its characteristics, and associated factors among hemodialysis patients and summarize the findings of various domains of AVF self-care in south Asian countries. The systematic literature search was performed on online databases and additional sources to retrieve published articles on AVF self-care. We estimated the pooled prevalence using a random effects model in meta-analysis. Additionally, thematic knowledge regarding various aspects of AVF self-care was narratively summarized. Among the articles retrieved seven studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence of AVF self-care in individual studies ranged from 59% to 99%, with an overall random pooled prevalence of 81% (95% CI, 68% to 94%). Major factors associated with self-care of AVF knowledge included patients' educational status, age, vintage of hemodialysis, and healthcare personnel's advice. Knowledge scarcity regarding potential measures of AVF self-care obligates the need for continuous education in hemodialysis patients. A multidisciplinary approach is vital to enhance self-care from pre- to post-creation of AVF in hemodialysis patients as well as their caregivers in order to prolong the patency rates and decrease the subsequent morbidity and mortality due to failure of AVF.

Comparison of end-to-side versus side-to-side anastomosis in upper limb arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

It is currently unclear if the anastomosis technique impacts the patency of upper arm arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients. This review compared outcomes of end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis for AVF fistula in hemodialysis patients. PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for all types of studies published between 1st January 2000 to 3rd September 2022. Patency rates at 6, 12 months, maturation time, and complications were compared between ETS and STS groups. Sixteen studies including six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analysis showed no difference in patency rates between ETS and STS group at 6 months (OR: 1.15 95% CI: 0.72, 1.83 I 2 = 52% p = 0.56) but better patency with STS at 12 months (OR: 0.63 95% CI: 0.41, 0.95 I 2 = 21% p = 0.03). The difference was non-significant in a subgroup analysis of RCTs and non-RCTs. In the absence of distal vein ligation in the STS group, the ETS group had significantly better patency at 6 months but with distal vein ligation, STS had higher patency at 12 months. Meta-analysis demonstrated no difference in maturation time between the two groups (MD: 0.10 95% CI: 0.29, 0.49 I 2 = 89% p = 0.61). Only a descriptive analysis of complications could be carried out with no major difference. Our review demonstrates that the STS anastomosis technique with distal vein ligation may result in significantly better patency rates as compared to the standard ETS technique. Data for complication rates are scarce and varied but without any significant differences between the two techniques.

Intraoperative Internal Thoracic Artery Graft Flow Measurement Ipsilateral or Contralateral to the Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients During Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Intraoperative Internal Thoracic Artery Graft Flow Measurement Ipsilateral or Contralateral to the Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients During Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Retracted: A Retrospective Case-Control Study on Late Failure of Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients and Prediction of Risk Factors.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/8110289.].

Observation of the Nursing Intervention Effects on Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

Observation of the Nursing Intervention Effects on Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

Clinical Observation of Safflower Wine Wet Dressing to Improve the Function of Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

Clinical Observation of Safflower Wine Wet Dressing to Improve the Function of Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients

Outpatient use of tPA to recanalize thrombosed native fistulas a case series and discussion of literature

Background: The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous alteplase (t-PA) injection for the treatment of long segment ( ≥14cm) thrombi in the efferent veins of native arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients. Methods: A total of 9 patients who underwent t-PA application under ultrasound guidance in the interventional radiology clinic between 2019 and 2021 were included in the study. During the intervention, information such as thrombosed segment length, t-PA dose, number of sessions, presence of aneurysmal segment, bleeding after the intervention and the need for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) were recorded. Restoring the flow in the fistula was considered the successful outcome. All statistical evaluations were performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software (version 21.0; SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois) for Windows. Results: Mean age of the patients was 48.7±14 years, the fistula age was 28.7±11 months, the thrombosis age was 3.5±2 days, and the thrombosed segment length was 17.7±2.9 cm. Post-intervention bleeding that did not require treatment was encountered in 2 patients, and stenosis in the proximal fistula was encountered in 6 patients. PTA was applied to 7 patients after t-PA. After the interventions, effective flow was provided in all patients. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous t-PA injection should be considered as an effective intervention which is less invasive, can be performed as an outpatient intervention and has fewer complications, even if the thrombi segments are long (&gt;10 cm). This technique avoids the potential endothelial damage and saves the cost of the mechanical devices.

Incidence of Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm of Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis Patients Having Non-Cuffed Catheters as Vascular Access – Association or Causation?

Background: Anastomotic pseudoaneurysm affecting arteriovenous fistula created for hemodialysis is an unusual and catastrophic complication. There is lack of clinical data in literature about its incidence and management. Aims and Objectives: To study the incidence and understand the aetiology of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of arteriovenous fistula (PA-AVF) occurring in first six months after surgery. Materials and Methods: Cohort study based on retrospective analysis of three-year data of case-series of PA-AVF occurring in first six months after AV fistula creation for hemodialysis. Results: Among the 283 AV fistula surgeries (215 distal forearm radio-cephalic AVF and 68 brachial artery or cubital region AVF), 7 patients (2.4%) developed PA-AVF within 1 to 8 weeks after AV fistula surgery. Over-extended dependence on non-cuffed hemodialysis (HD) catheter was a common factor among patients developing this complication. All the patients had a prolonged stay (34 to 75 days) of non-cuffed HD catheters before development of PA-AVF. Diagnosis of HD catheter-related blood stream infection (HD-CRBSI), which overlapped with development of PA-AVF, was proven in 4 patients, two of which also had surgical site infection. One patient had traumatic PA-AVF and in two patients the cause could not be established although features consistent with CRBSI were present. Excision of pseudoaneurysm and ligation of radial artery was done in all cases. Conclusion: Infection is the most common cause of anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of AV fistula. Our study points towards extended use of non-cuffed hemodialysis catehters as a risk factor for development of PA-AVF. Prevention and early aggressive management of CRBSI and surgical site infections along with a limited use of non-cuffed HD catheters for the minimum required duration is the key to reduce the incidence of this complication