Forearm Loop Graft Research Articles

Comparative Study between One Year Patency of Brachio- Basilic Arteriovenous Fistula versus Brachial to Basilic Forearm Loop Graft in End Stage Renal Disease Patients

Abstract Background Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the first choice for vascular access. Transposed arteriovenous fistulas include transposed brachial-basilic arteriovenous fistulas and transposed brachial-brachial arteriovenous fistulas, both basilic vein and brachial vein are too deep to cannulate, so requires transposition to be accessible. Aim of the Work to compare the outcomes of patients treated with a Brachio-basilic arteriovenous fistula with those of patients treated with the polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) brachial to basalic loop graft. Methods This prospective cohort observational study included 50 patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular hemodialysis who were divided into two equal groups; group A: included patients who underwent the Basilica forarm polyteterafloruracil arteriovenous graft (BBAVG) and group B: included patients who underwent Basilic vein transposition or basilic vein superficialization (BBAVF). Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two studied groups regarding age, gender, clinical characteristics, primary, assisted primary or secondary patency rates, functional maturity at 1, 3, and 6 months, early postoperative bleeding (p = 0.312), late postoperative bleeding (p = 1), early postoperative mortality (p = 1), thrombosis (p = 0.018), late postoperative thrombosis (p = 0.157), early postoperative mild Infection (p = 0.123), early postoperative sever infection (p = 1), late postoperative mild infection (p = 0.074) and late postoperative sever infection (p = 0.297). Conclusions Both BBAVF and PTFE brachial to basilic loop graft can be considered as viable options for vascular access in this patient population. The choice of procedure may depend on individual patient factors, as well as the risk of thrombosis, which should be carefully evaluated.

Comparative study between 1-year patency of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula versus brachial to basilic forearm loop graft in patients with end-stage renal disease

Background The most preferred method of vascular access is the autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF). When ready for dialysis, autogenous AVF outperforms arteriovenous grafts (AVG) in terms of patency and survival. An alternate method of vascular access for such individuals is the transposed AVF or AVG. Aim The goal of this trial is to evaluate and contrast the results of those who were treated with a brachiobasilic (BB) AVF to those who were treated with a polytetrafluoroethylene brachial to basilic forearm loop graft. Primary endpoints Assisted primary patency, primary patency also secondary patency. Secondary endpoints: postoperative complications (wound infection, bleeding, steal syndrome, and procedure-related mortality), functional maturity. Patients and methods This is a prospective cohort observational trial performed at the Vascular Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. Data about patients who had forearm loop grafts or BB AVFs during the period from January 2021 to January 2022 were collected according to the study inclusion criteria. There was a total of 50 individuals included (25 patients in each group). The first group included cases who had BB AVF with basilic vein transposition (BB tAVF) whereas the second group included patients who had brachial-basilic forearm loop graft (BB AVG). Results Regarding age and sex distribution or risks of cardiovascular events, there was not a statistically significant distinction among the two study groups. The fistula group required statistically significant longer time to achieve functional maturity mean±SD (BB tAVF=9.64±2.29 vs .BB AVG=6.6±2 assisted and secondary patencies at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months). No statistically significant variation existed among groups regarding postoperative bleeding, infection, and procedure-related mortality. Conclusion Both BB AVF and polytetrafluoroethylene brachial to basilic forearm loop graft can be considered as viable options for vascular access in this patient population. The choice of procedure may depend on individual patient factors, possible risks of prolonged central venous catheter (CVC) use, as well as the risks of infection and thrombosis, which should be carefully evaluated.

A Single-Center Experience with Forearm Arteriovenous Loop Grafts for Hemodialysis

Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains the standard of hemodialysis (HD) access; however, it cannot be reasonably obtained in all patients. For patients with contraindications to AVFs, prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG) remains an alternative. AVGs are plagued by high failure rates; however, there is a paucity of literature examining this. This study aims to examine a single-center review of outcomes of forearm loop AVGs in patients requiring HD access. A single institution, retrospective chart review was completed from 2012 to 2019, including demographics, end-stage renal disease etiology, brachial vessel diameters, and comorbidities. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were evaluated. Outcomes were defined as primary patency (time elapsed from graft creation until it was utilized as the patient's primary access), primary-assisted patency (time from primary access to intervention to maintain patency), and functional patency (time from graft placement until graft failure). Additionally, multinomial regression models were used to evaluate associations with categorical number of required interventions. Ninety-eight patients [mean age 61.8 (13.9) years, 42.9% female] were identified as having brachial artery to brachial vein AVG creation during the study period, of which 75% achieved primary patency. Primary-assisted patency was 0.36 [standard error (SE) 0.07] at 6months and 0.12 (SE 0.05) at 1year. Functional patency was 0.75 (SE 0.07) at 6months and 0.43 (SE 0.09) at 1year. No association between preoperative vessel diameters and primary-assisted or functional patency was observed. Interestingly, there was a significant negative association between previous ipsilateral access and achievement of primary patency with a 60% decrease in odds of achieving primary patency in patients with previous ipsilateral access [odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.9, P=0.03]. There was also noted to be a significant association between the presence of an ipsilateral catheter and increased risk of subsequent abandonment of the AVG (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-5.8, P=0.02). Prosthetic forearm loop AVGs remain hindered in their utility as they show high rates of graft failure within a year of creation. A significant patient-specific factor leading to this was not clearly demonstrated. As guidelines change regarding the nature of dialysis access for patients on HD, these results draw into question the utility of prosthetic forearm loop grafts in patients requiring long-term HD access.

The related factors to the re-thrombosis of hemodialysis arteriovenous graft after endovascular salvage.

Only a few issues of the related factors to hemodialysis access dysfunction have been evaluated, and the effects of antiplatelets to improve the patency of hemodialysis access remained controversial. Hence, this study aimed to determine the related factors to the re-thrombosis of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) after endovascular treatment. This retrospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Southern Thailand. All patients who underwent hemodialysis with thrombosed AVG, who had pharmacomechanical thrombolysis from January 2016 to December 2018, were enrolled. Post-intervention primary patency was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the related factors to the re-thrombosis of AVG were evaluated using logistic regression. A total of 157 patients with thrombosed hemodialysis AVG were enrolled. The most common graft location and configuration was a forearm loop graft (65%). Post-intervention primary patency rate at 1, 3, and 6 months were 79.0%, 67.1%, and 54.0%, respectively. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was a significant related factor for re-thrombosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.98; p = 0.006). A single antiplatelet after the procedure was a protective factor for re-thrombosis (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38-0.89; p = 0.013). The median post-intervention primary patency was 15.7 months in the group of single antiplatelet usage, which was better than that of the non-antiplatelet group (p = 0.012). DM and antiplatelet usage were significant related factors to the re-thrombosis of hemodialysis AVG after endovascular salvage.

A Single Center Experience With Forearm Arteriovenous Loop Grafts For Hemodialysis

<h3>OBJECTIVES</h3> Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains the standard of care for hemodialysis (HD) access, however, it cannot be reasonably obtained in all patients. For patients with contraindications to AVFs, prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG) remains an alternative. AVGs are plagued by high failure rates, however, there is a paucity of literature examining this. This study aims to examine a single-center review of outcomes of forearm loop AVGs in patients requiring HD access. <h3>METHODS</h3> A single institution, retrospective chart review was completed from 2012-2019, including patient demographics, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) etiology, brachial artery and vein diameters, and comorbidities. Logistic regression and cox proportional hazard models were evaluated. Outcomes were defined as length of primary patency (time from graft placement to intervention to maintain patency) and secondary patency (time from graft placement until graft failure despite intervention). <h3>RESULTS</h3> 98 patients [mean age 61.8(13.9) years, 42.9% female] were identified as having brachial artery to brachial vein AVG creation during the study period. Primary patency was 0.36 (SE 0.07) at six months, 0.12 (0.05) at one year. Secondary patency was 0.75 (0.07) at six months and 0.43 (0.09) at one year (see figure 1 below). No association between preoperative vessel diameters and primary or secondary patency was observed. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Prosthetic forearm loop AVGs remain hindered in their utility as they show high rates of graft failure within a year of creation. A significant patient-specific factor leading to this was not clearly demonstrated. As guidelines change regarding the nature of dialysis access for patients on HD, these results draw into question the utility of prosthetic forearm loop grafts in patients requiring long-term HD access.

Persistent median artery in carpal tunnel syndrome for a patient with end stage renal disease after thrombosis of the left radiocephalic AV forearm loop graft: A case report.

Introduction & importanceCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common neuropathy in the world and is caused by compression of the median nerve. It has many known risk factors, including hemodialysis and a persistent median artery (PMA), which can be an incidental finding during carpal tunnel release (CTR).Case presentationA 65-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis for seven months presented with typical signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) displayed severe neuropathy. Upon carpal tunnel release (CTR) a rare superficial non-calcified persistent median artery critical to the circulation of the hand was found. The patient's symptoms resolved completely within four weeks of the operation.Clinical discussionThe PMA is a relatively common anomaly and could cause carpal tunnel syndrome by: directly pressing the median nerve, thrombosing, or in the setting of an aneurysm. Although usually found deep to the flexor retinaculum, the PMA could also be found superficially. It can be critical to the blood supply of the hand and should therefore be dealt with carefully.ConclusionSurgeons should be aware of the possibility of finding a PMA when performing CTR. The PMA could be deep or superficial to the transverse carpal ligament. Where possible, the PMA should be preserved. Especially if its contributions to the blood supply of the hand are undetermined.

Managing Vascular Surgery Emergencies and Referrals During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Tertiary Centre in Oman.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to discuss the different challenges faced while managing emergency vascular surgery cases during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these challenges were overcome.MethodsThis study details 14 emergency cases that were managed during a period of one month from mid-March to mid-April at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. The cases included acute limb ischaemia, critical limb ischaemia, type B dissection of the thoracic aorta, thoraco-abdominal aneurysm, critical internal carotid artery stenosis, trauma, infected arteriovenous forearm loop graft and thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas.ResultsOnly one patient was confirmed to have COVID-19. Five were negative for COVID-19 while the remaining eight were not tested. Various strategies on how the vascular surgical team accommodated changes in hospital protocols and nationwide lockdown are discussed in detail.ConclusionsWith the judicious use of personal protective equipment and consumable surgical and endovascular devices, communication with support services and other hospitals and implementation of triage protocols, it was possible to manage vascular surgery emergencies effectively.

Outcomes of basilic vein transposition versus polytetrafluoroethylene forearm loop graft as tertiary vascular access

BackgroundRadial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula and brachial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula are the first and second choices for creating vascular access in dialysis patients as recommended by the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative. Basilic vein transposition or use of a forearm (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]) loop graft is recommended thereafter. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to compare the outcomes and patency rates of patients treated with a basilic vein transposition with those of patients treated with a PTFE loop; and second, to identify patient-related factors of influence on patency rates. MethodsData collected in our prospectively maintained database of patients with chronic renal dysfunction requiring hemodialysis were analyzed. From April 2006 to August 2017, there were 55 patients with a basilic vein transposition and 75 patients with a PTFE loop included. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were calculated. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors of influence on survival. Incidence rates of complications and reinterventions were calculated and compared. ResultsMean follow-up time was 29 months. A significantly higher 2-year primary assisted patency rate was found for the basilic vein transposition group (72.7% ± 6.5% vs 47.6% ± 6.2%; P < .01). The 2-year primary patency rates and secondary patency rates were comparable between basilic vein transposition and PTFE loop (25.1% ± 6.6% vs 13.7% ± 4.4% [P = .11] and 75.5% ± 6.5% vs 73.9% ± 5.3% [P = .17], respectively). Cox regression identified body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.98; P = .03) and age (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.91; P = .02) as predictors for failure regarding primary patency in PTFE loop patients. Previous catheter use (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.70; P = .006) and the presence of diabetes (HR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.50-7.39; P = .003) were independent predictors for failure regarding primary patency in basilic vein transposition patients. The incidence rate of total complications was significantly higher in the PTFE loop group with 0.70 per patient-year (PY−1) compared with 0.28 PY−1 in the basilic vein transposition group (P = .001). In terms of intervention rate, a significantly higher percutaneous transluminal angioplasty rate and surgical revision rate were found in the PTFE loop group than in the basilic vein transposition group (1.77 PY−1 vs 1.05 PY−1 [P = .022] and 0.20 PY−1 vs 0.07 PY−1 [P = .002], respectively). ConclusionsIn this nonrandomized study, basilic vein transposition has better primary assisted patency, fewer complications, and fewer reinterventions compared with PTFE loop.

Two-stage forearm brachio-basilic loop arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis

Introduction. The autologous radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the best vascular access for patients on chronic hemodialysis. In some patients with inadequate blood vessels, it is necessary to create proximal AVF, or arteriovenous grafts. High percentage of primary graft failure is noted in cases where diameters of the brachial artery and the basilic vein are insufficient. The aim of this work was to introduce a new surgical technique for arteriovenous creation in patients with inadequate blood diameter. Case outline. The authors have proposed implantation of brachio-basilic polytetrafluoroethylene AV forearm loop graft in two acts. In the first act, the native brachio-basilic AVF was created in the distal region of the arm by side-to-end anastomosis. Three to four weeks after the first act, significant dilatation of brachial artery and basilic vein was noted (confirmed by the use of color duplex sonography technique). During the second act, polytetrafluourethylene graft was implanted by end-to-end anastomosis on the dilated basilica vein. Conclusion. AV graft that was created in two acts has sufficient blood flow without early or late complications. Primary patency was 30 months and secondary patency was 50 months. As an original method in the current literature, we recommend it in different clinical settings when there are no better alternatives for vascular access.

VESS28. Outcomes of Forearm Loop Grafts and the Potential for Creating New Upper Arm Access Sites

VESS28. Outcomes of Forearm Loop Grafts and the Potential for Creating New Upper Arm Access Sites

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Ultrasound Vascular Mapping for Preoperative Planning of Dialysis Access

AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Ultrasound Vascular Mapping for Preoperative Planning of Dialysis Access

Patency Rates Among Heparin-Bonded and Conventional Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts for Upper Extremity Hemodialysis Access

BackgroundAlthough arteriovenous fistulae are the gold standard for vascular access, many patients do not have veins that are suitable for arteriovenous fistulae. These patients require arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). There have been no long-term trials designed to analyze the complication and patency rates of heparin-bonded versus conventional upper extremity AVGs. We aimed to compare patency and complication rates of upper extremity conventional versus heparin-bonded AVGs. MethodsA retrospective chart review from 2008 through 2012 was conducted. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients with an upper extremity conventional or heparin-bonded AVG were included. Exclusion criteria included use of therapeutic anticoagulation and forearm loop grafts. Complication rates, reinterventions, and primary and secondary patency rates were compared using logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 93 patients. Conventional and heparin-bonded grafts were compared and there was no statistically significant difference between the median time to use (29 vs 32 days; P = .440) or primary patency (P = .673). The duration of time elapsed until intervention was a median of 69 days (mean ± standard error = 94.7 ± 10.4 days). Demographic characteristics of patients did not differ between the graft types (61% women; P = 0.342). No statistically significant differences were seen between comorbidities in the 2 groups and body mass index did not differ (P = .986). ConclusionsThere is no improved primary patency, secondary patency, or difference in complication rates between patients who received conventional versus heparin-bonded AVGs.

Clinical Feature of Iatrogenic Fistulas between Prosthetic Graft and Native Vein in CRF Patients

Purpose: Failure of hemodialysis access is the main medical problem in chronic renal failure patients. This resulted from complications such as thrombosis, infection, pseudoaneurysm, steal syndrome and so on. This study was undertaken in an attempt to describe the clinical characteristics and significances of dialysis failure due to iatrogenic fistula between prosthetic graft and native vein at puncture site. Methods: During 5 years between Feb. 2005 and Feb. 2009, five Iatrogenic fistulas were identified in a retrospective review of 133 patients performed 220 times fistulography due to dialysis failure in PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) graft. Results: Overall incidence is 3.8 % in PTFE graft cases. Mean age is 50 (28~75) years, male to female ratio 2：3. Median 1st patency period is 20 months (6~36). All iatrogenic fistula is usually located in not venous but arterial limb of forearm loop, combined with the stenosis in venous limb and anastomosis site. More than 70% venous anastmotic stenosis in 4 cases (80%) and diffuse stenosis of venous limb in 3 cases (60%), revised concomitantly either by patch angioplasty or ballooning. Medial follow-up period is 8 months (5~12), graft occlusion occurred in one case. Conclusion: All iatrogenic fistula usually occurs in not venous but arterial limb of forearm loop graft. Most iatrogenic fistula is combined with the stenosis in venous limb and anastomosis sites, must be revised concomitantly either by patch angioplasty or ballooning. Close assessment to superficial vein and graft is needed for early detection. Fistulography is the most useful diagnostic tool. Careful cannulation method is required to prevent the occurrence of iatrogenic fistula in chronic renal failure patients.

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

Interventionalist's role in identifying candidates for secondary fistulas.

One hundred consecutive patients with upper extremity prosthetic grafts referred for either an angioplasty or treatment of a thrombosed graft were included in the study. After the patient's treatment was concluded, the angiographic images that had been created during the case were evaluated to determine if an upper arm vein was evident that would be suitable for the construction of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Criteria used to determine suitability included vein size measured at the level of the elbow, feeding artery size at the level of the elbow, absence of stenosis within the vein, and continuity with downstream unobstructed veins. Thirty-eight percent of patients had an upper arm graft and 62% had a lower arm graft. Since it was not possible to adequately evaluate patients with an upper arm graft, these patients were not included in any further evaluations. A total of 46 patients (74%) with a forearm loop graft had one or both of the upper arm veins that appeared to be optimum for the creation of an AVF. If the percentage of graft patients with venous anatomy conducive to the creation of a fistula revealed in this study is representative, then the percentage of fistulas in use could be very quickly increased to more than 50% by simply seizing the opportunity. This effort directed toward prevalent patients could yield results much more rapidly than limiting one's focus to incident patients.

New Hemodynamic Test for Assessment of Failing Hemodialysis Grafts: The Saline Infusion Test

To validate the saline infusion test, a new hemodynamic test for assessment of failing hemodialysis access grafts. Over a 12-month period, 31 procedures were performed in 25 patients with synthetic forearm loop grafts for hemodialysis. Pre- and postangioplasty measurements of static graft pressures and infusion pressures were obtained. For the saline infusion test, graft pressure was measured while saline was infused at a rate of 600 mL/min for 10 seconds with arterial inflow occluded. Comparison was made to percent outflow stenosis as determined with pre- and postangioplasty angiograms. There was no correlation between either the static intragraft pressure (r = .085, P = .654) or the normalized pressure ratio (r = .136, P = .4676) and venous outflow stenosis in the preangioplasty group. When pressure was measured during infusion, a significant Pearson correlation was observed between infusion pressure and percent of angiographic stenosis (r = .60, P = .0002). All three pressure tests were significantly correlated to the percent stenosis identified after angioplasty. Pressure measured in the graft during the saline infusion test at a standard rate that simulates optimal graft flow correlates with the angiographic degree of stenosis and warrants further investigation as a useful adjunct to the assessment of revascularization results.

Forearm Loop, Upper Arm Straight, and Brachial-Internal Jugular Vein Dialysis Grafts: A Comparison Study of Graft Survival Utilizing a Combined Percutaneous Endovascular and Surgical Maintenance Approach

To determine rates and duration of patency achievable in forearm loop, upper arm straight, and brachial-internal jugular (IJ) vein hemodialysis grafts utilizing a combined percutaneous endovascular and surgical maintenance approach. A retrospective analysis of 74 hemodialysis grafts (forearm loop, n = 22; upper arm straight, n = 34; and brachial-IJ vein, n = 18) in 50 patients with end-stage renal disease was conducted. Operative notes, interventional procedural reports, and hospital records were used to construct a history for each of these grafts from the time of surgical placement until the time the graft was abandoned for an alternative method of dialysis. All procedures performed to maintain and/or restore patency during the usable lifetime of the grafts were documented. Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method demonstrated the following probabilities of primary patency at 6, 12, and 16 months, respectively: forearm loop graft = .46, .26, and .26; upper arm straight graft = .39, .22, and .16; and brachial-IJ vein graft = .19, .06, and .06 (forearm loop vs upper arm straight grafts, P > .05; forearm loop and upper arm straight vs brachial-IJ grafts, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). The probabilities of secondary patency at 12, 24, and 48 months, respectively, were: forearm loop graft = .89, .30, and NA; upper arm straight graft = .52, .35, and .17; and brachial-IJ vein graft = .54, .42, and .21 (P < .05 for all three comparisons: forearm loop > brachial-IJ > upper arm straight). Six percutaneous and two surgical procedures were compared and no significant differences in utilization were determined among the three graft types (ANOVA, P range, .38-.88). Kaplan-Meier analysis determined the probability of primary patency for forearm loop grafts to be similar to that for upper arm straight grafts, and both were significantly greater than for brachial-IJ vein grafts. The secondary patency rates for forearm loop grafts are greater than for upper arm and brachial-IJ vein grafts, while that for the brachial-IJ vein graft is greater than the upper arm straight graft. Utilization of interventional and surgical resources required to maintain patency do not significantly differ among the three types of upper extremity hemodialysis grafts.