Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis Research Articles

Bleeding and Thrombotic Events in Hemodialysis Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy: A 24-Month Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) are predisposed to both thrombotic and bleeding complications due to the complex interplay of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular comorbidities, and the routine use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of bleeding and thrombotic events in chronic HD patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, with a specific focus on those with atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and Methods: A total of 224 patients, with 43 (19%) of them diagnosed with AF, were included in this single-center, observational cohort study conducted over 24 months. The cohort was divided into three groups: patients without anticoagulation, those on warfarin monotherapy, and those on combined warfarin and aspirin therapy. Bleeding events were classified as major, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), or minor bleeding, while thrombotic events included ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and arteriovenous fistula thrombosis. Results: Overall, 35.7% of patients experienced a bleeding event, with major bleeding occurring in 9.4%. Patients with AF had significantly higher rates of major bleeding (18.6%) compared to those without AF (7.18%; p = 0.043), especially in the combined therapy group. Mortality due to bleeding was also higher in AF patients (14%). In contrast, thrombotic events occurred in 26.8% of patients, with AF patients experiencing significantly more events (48.8%) compared to non-AF patients (21.5%; p = 0.0006). The hazard ratio (HR) for major bleeding in patients on combined warfarin and aspirin therapy was 2.56 (p = 0.016), while the HR for thrombotic events was 2.34 (p = 0.0202). Conclusions: These findings highlight the increased risks of both bleeding and thrombosis in chronic HD patients with AF, particularly those on combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy.

The Feasibility of Thrombolysis Followed with Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty in Acutely and Sub-Acutely Thrombosed Arteriovenous Fistulas.

Prompt resolution of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis is essential to minimize the need for temporary dialysis catheters. Identifying the ideal timing for the management of thrombosed arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an area that has not been thoroughly explored. Herein, we examined a local infusion of urokinase for thrombolysis followed by ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) in acute and subacute AVF thromboses. This retrospective cohort research assessed thrombosed AVF in patients referred to the Second Xiangya Hospital. We included patients who underwent local thrombolysis followed by ultrasound-guided PTA treatment between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020. Results. We enrolled the records of 86 patients into the present study, including 44 patients with acute AVF thrombosis (group 1: thrombus age, < 72 hours) and 42 patients with subacute AVF thrombosis (group2: thrombus age, 72 hours to seven days). The thrombolytic success rate was 79.5% in group 1 and 42.9% in group 2 (P < .001). All patients underwent ultrasound-guided PTA to dissolve any residual thrombi regardless of thrombolytic success. Technical success after PTA procedures was achieved in 93.2% of patients in group 1 and 88.1% in group 2 (P = .417). Primary patency at six months was comparable between the two groups (67.5% vs. 64.8%, P = .564). We observed that thrombolytic effect does not affect PTA success rate, and six-month patency rate. Direct local infusion of urokinase to the affected area followed by ultrasound-guided PTA constitutes a minimally invasive and effective method for salvaging thrombosed AVF in contrast to abandoning the occluded fistula.

Antiphospholipid antibody positivity is associated with maturation failure and thrombosis of native arteriovenous fistula: a retrospective study in HD patients

Abstract Background and hypothesis The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) is high among hemodialysis (HD) patients compared to the general population and is inconsistently associated with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis or stenosis. The association with maturation failure has never been investigated. This study aims to evaluate native AVF complications (thrombosis, stenosis and maturation failure) and primary patency in aPL positive HD patients. Methods We retrospectively identified 116 HD patients with native AVF. We collected the aPL profiles, the clinical and biological data potentially involved in AVF maturation failure, thrombosis and stenosis and investigated the association of these complications and aPL positivity. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Results In our cohort, the prevalence of aPL persistent positivity was 32.7% and the latter was strongly associated with AVF maturation failure defined by ultrasound. aPL persistent positivity was a strong predictor in multivariate analysis and this association was independent of AVF stenosis or thrombosis during maturation process. There was no association with primary and functional primary patency, and stenosis. However, aPL persistent positivity according to ACR/EULAR classification criteria was associated with thrombosis when compared to strictly negative aPL patients. Conclusions In our cohort, aPL persistent positivity was significantly associated with AVF maturation failure and thrombosis but not with AVF stenosis. To our knowledge, we report for the first time, a statistically significant association between aPL positivity and delay or absence of native AVF maturation.

Comparison of two types of thrombolysis combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for acute thrombosis in arteriovenous fistula and graft

Purpose: To investigate and compare the efficacy of two different types of thrombolysis combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for acute thrombosis in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and graft (AVG). Methods: A total of 128 patients on hemodialysis with acute AVF/AVG occlusion, from May 2021 to May 2023 at Jiangmen Central Hospital, Guangdong, were randomly assigned to study group (catheterdirected thrombolysis) (CDT) comprising of 62 patients and control group (scalp needle thrombolysis) comprising of 66 patients. Patients whose thrombolysis was unsuccessful on the first day, received PTA therapy the next day. Thrombolytic success rates, urokinase dosage, PTA therapy rates, mural thrombus occurrence, and post-thrombolytic complications were evaluated and compared. Result: There was no significant difference in overall thrombolytic success rate, PTA combination rate and incidence of hemorrhage (p &gt; 0.05) between study and control groups. Recanalization rate after urokinase thrombolytic therapy on first day was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Urokinase dosage (first day) of patients whose thrombolytic therapy was successful was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Mechanical fragmentation by angiography catheter combined with urokinase thrombolysis improves efficacy, but shows no advantage when combined with PTA. Additional studies using a larger patient population on anticoagulant therapy and longer investigation time are recommended to enhance the generalizability of this treatment approach.

Comparative Analysis of Anti-phospholipid-Antibody Positivity and Confirmation as Potential Risk Factors for Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis in Patients on Hemodialysis

Comparative Analysis of Anti-phospholipid-Antibody Positivity and Confirmation as Potential Risk Factors for Arteriovenous Fistula Thrombosis in Patients on Hemodialysis

Outcome of Arteriovenous Fistula Following Renal Transplantation

Background: Renal transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but the management of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) post-transplant remains controversial due to complications like thrombosis.Objective: To determine the outcome of AVFs following renal transplantation, focusing on the incidence and timing of AVF thrombosis.Methods: This ambi-directional cohort study included 155 patients with ESRD who underwent kidney transplantation at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, in 2021. All included patients had a functional AVF at the time of transplantation. Data were collected from electronic health records, including demographic information, AVF characteristics, and incidence of thrombosis. AVF outcomes were monitored through follow-up assessments until September 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p&lt;0.05.Results: Thrombosis occurred in 71 (45.8%) patients, most frequently within one week (14.8%), within four weeks (21.9%), and within one year (34.2%). Surgical ligation was required in 5 patients (3.22%). No significant associations were found between thrombosis and age, comorbidities, or AVF type (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: AVF thrombosis is a frequent complication post-transplant, not significantly influenced by patient demographics or AVF type, highlighting the need for continued surveillance.

The effect of multiple single cannulation technique on complications of arteriovenous fistulae: A meta-analysis.

To evaluate the effect of multiple single cannulation technique on the complications of arteriovenous fistula. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to investigate the impact of multiple single cannulation technique on the complications of arteriovenous fistula. The search was performed in both Chinese and English databases including Wanfang Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Vip, Pubmed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, with a search period up to December 20, 2023. Following literature screening and data extraction, the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Bias Assessment Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3. Thirteen papers, totaling 1299 patients, were included in the analysis. The experimental group consisted of 646 patients, while the control group had 595 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that the multiple single cannulation technique was more effective than rope ladder cannulation and buttonhole cannulation in reducing the incidence of angiomas (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10-0.35), stenosis (OR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.13-0.39), thrombosis (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.07-0.39), and blood seepage (OR = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.08-0.21) of arteriovenous fistulas (P < .05). Additionally, it was found to increase the success rate of nurses' single cannulation (OR = 4.20; 95% CI = 1.78-9.95) of arteriovenous fistulas (P < .05). Multiple single cannulation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of complications of arteriovenous fistula, improve the success rate of cannulation, prolong the life span of arteriovenous fistula, and prolong the survival cycle of hemodialysis patients.

Mechanical thrombectomy with the InThrill device for thrombosed hemodialysis access: A single center experience.

To assess the effectiveness and safety of the InThrill Thrombectomy System in treating thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and grafts (AVGs) via mechanical thrombectomy. Institutional database was retrospectively searched to identify all thrombectomy procedures performed using the study device at our hospital for thrombosis of AVFs or AVGs. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients aged 18 and above who underwent AV access thrombectomy using the study device. Intraprocedural metrics, including procedure time, device time, blood loss, and adjunctive procedures were collected. Technical success was defined as restoration of flow combined with <30% residual diameter stenosis of the treated vascular segment. Clinical success was defined as the resumption of normal hemodialysis for a minimum of at least one session following intervention. Through 3-month follow-up, patency, and adverse events were evaluated. A total of 20 thrombectomies were performed on 2 AVFs and 18 AVGs in 13 patients. Median procedure and device times were 45 and 10 min, respectively. Balloon angioplasty was performed in all cases with additional stenting in 40% (8/20) of cases to address stenosis following thrombus removal. No other mechanical thrombectomy devices were utilized. Intraprocedural thrombolytics were not administered in any case. Average blood loss was 10 mL. The technical success and clinical success rates were 100% (20/20) and 95% (19/20), respectively. There were no intraoperative adverse events. One patient developed a post-operative minor hematoma, and one patient developed a post-operative pseudoaneurysm at the access site. The primary patency rate was 77% (10/13) at 1 month. Both assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 100% at 1 and 3 months. These preliminary results suggest that the InThrill Thrombectomy System is rapid, safe, and effective for thrombolytic-free treatment of AV access thrombosis in hemodialysis patients.

Comparison of the efficacy of drug-coated balloon angioplasty and conventional balloon angioplasty in the endovascular treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous dialysis fistulas.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty in the treatment of thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas. This prospective, randomized, controlled study investigated the use of drug-eluting balloons in the treatment of the thrombosis of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) at our center between January 2018 and January 2023. A total of 246 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 61.3 ± 11.5 years. Of the patients, 150 (61%) were male and 96 (39%) were female. Angioplasty was performed using a plain balloon (PB) in 126 patients (51.2%) and a drug-coated balloon (DCB) in 120 (48.8%). The control images of the patients were obtained at the sixth and 12th months. Patency was evaluated during the follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, fistula location, or stenosis length. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the number of complications observed during and after the procedure. At the end of the sixth month, the patency rate was found to be 86.7% in the DCB group and 78.6% in the PB group. The 12th-month patency rate was 77.5% in the DCB group and 57.9% in the PB group. A significant difference was detected between the two groups in relation to the 6th- and 12th-month patency rates (p = 0.034 and p = 0.046, respectively). Drug-coated balloon angioplasty is an effective approach to the treatment of thrombosed AVFs, especially in terms of prolonging primary patency and reducing the need for secondary procedures.

Association Between Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Score and Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the vascular access of choice for hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients but has a significant failure rate. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of mortality in ESRD patients. Atherosclerosis of the peripheral vessels may contribute to poor maturation of AVF leading to the exploration of the ASCVD score as a prognostic tool for AVF failure. Thisstudy included 110 hemodialysis patients with AVFsand aimed to examine the association between ASCVD score and AVF failure. Participants were categorized into the presence of vascular access failure (N=12) and absence of vascular access failure (N=98), and demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: The study comprised predominantly male patients (63.6%), with a notable prevalence of hypertension anddiabetes. Twelve patients experienced AVF failure, with pseudoaneurysms and thrombosis being the predominant causes. The ASCVD risk group at intermediate and high stages exhibited a statistically significant risk (relative risk (RR)=1.403; 95% CI, 1.041-1.904) of AVF failure in comparison to the low and borderline ASCVD risk groups.There was no association of age, gender (male and female), body mass index (BMI),serum calcium, serum phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum albumin with AVF failure. The ASCVD score emerges as a potential prognostic tool to identify dialysis patients at high risk of AVF failure, suggesting avenues for targeted interventions and improved patient care. However, limitations of the ASCVD risk estimator and study limitations, such as small sample size and absence of mortality data, warrant cautious interpretation and necessitate further exploration in larger patient populations.

#2885 Thrombosis complicating the first native arteriovenous fistula: what are the risk factors?

Abstract Background and Aims The native arteriovenous fistula is considered the best vascular access for hemodialysis, whose ultimate complication is thrombosis. The risk factors for this complication are multiple. The aim of our work is to determine the risk factors for thrombosis of the first created native AVF. Method This is a retrospective descriptive study of 65 patients over 18 years of age and hemodialyzed in our department who benefited of the confection of a native arteriovenous fistula at the same hospital. Results Arteriovenous fistula thrombosis occurred in 41.53% of patients with an average age of 49.4 years and a sex ratio M/F=3.5. 59.2% of arteriovenous fistulae were distal versus 40.7% proximal, divided into humerocephalic (29.6%) and humerobasilic (11.1%). AVF thrombosis occurred after a mean duration of 3.19 years after its confection [01 months, 13 years]. 25.9% of arteriovenous fistulae had not yet been punctured. 63% of patients were smokers, 55.6% were diabetics, 74.1% were hypertensive and 66.7% were cardiac with predomination of ischemic etiology in 29.6%. 44.4% of patients had obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs, 25.9% of whom were amputees. Patients had been on dialysis for an average of 4.4 years [01 months, 13 years], with diabetic nephropathy predominating at 51.9%. All patients were on antiplatelet therapy and 7.4% on anticoagulation. 11.1% had perdialytic hypotension. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between anemia, diabetes and the occurrence of thrombosis (respectively p = 0.03; p = 0.024). Conclusion Patients with arteriovenous fistula thrombosis have multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Diabetes and anemia remain the main predictive factors for thrombosis.

Outcomes of Surgical and Endovascular Treatment for Cephalic Arch Stenosis in Proximal Arteriovenous Fistula.

The cephalic arch is a significant site of stenosis in proximal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) that contributes to access dysfunction and thrombosis. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment (ST) and endovascular treatment (ET) for cephalic arch stenosis (CAS). A total of 62 patients with proximal AVF who underwent CAS revision using either ST or ET were enrolled between January 2018 and March 2023. In the ET group, only the initial ET following AVF formation was considered, to mitigate bias. In the ST group, central transposition of the native AVF (transposition group) or interposition of the prosthetic graft into the proximal basilic or axillary vein (interposition group) was performed. We evaluated primary and functional patency based on these groups and calculated the number of patency loss events after CAS treatment. Of the 62 patients, 38 (61%) were male, with a mean age of 66.4 years. ST was performed in 26 (42%) patients, including transposition in 16 and interposition in 10, whereas ET was administered to 36 patients during the study period. Among the ST recipients, 42% had a history of ET for CAS. The incidence of AVF thrombosis was marginally higher in the ST group than in the ET group (39% vs. 19%, P=0.098). The primary patency rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years were 87%, 87%, and 66% in the transposition group; 45%, 23%, and 11% in the interposition group; and 66%, 49%, and 17% in the ET group, respectively. Notably, the primary patency of the transposition group was significantly higher than that of the interposition (P=0.001) and ET groups (P=0.016). The frequency of patency loss events per person-year after the initial revision was 0.40, 0.52, and 1.42 in the transposition, interposition, and ET groups, respectively. Transposition exhibited the most favorable primary patency rate and the lowest number of subsequent patency loss events during follow-up despite the higher rates of AVF thrombosis and previous ET at presentation. Consequently, transposition should be actively considered in eligible patients with CAS.

An Uncoventional Technique: Outflow Vein Tributary access for Central Vein and Cephalic Arch Angioplasty in Dysfunctional AVF

Abstract Introduction: Central venous stenosis (CVS) is a significant and frequently encountered problem in managing hemodialysis (HD) patients. Venous hypertension, often accompanied by severe symptoms, undermines the integrity of the HD access circuit. In CVS, dialysis through an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is usually inefficient, with high recirculation rates and prolonged bleeding after dialysis. Interventions for central vein stenosis in patients with AV access are typically performed with a direct puncture of the fistula outflow vein or taking access from the femoral vein, jugular vein, axillary vein, and basilic vein. Commonly encountered complications with taking access from the fistula vein-puncture site bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis of arteriovenous fistula; complications noted with femoral vein access are groin hematoma, lower limb deep-vein thrombosis, need for patient immobilization, and groin compression. An alternative approach is to use the outflow vein tributary, such as the cephalic vein tributary, as an access to avoid these potential complications. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of central vein and cephalic vein arch angioplasty, utilizing an outflow vein tributary as access, for managing symptomatic CVS in dialysis patients with upper limb vascular access and significant ipsilateral limb edema. Methodology: In a Prospective interventional study conducted at 2 Tertiary care Institutes between 2022 and 2023, a total of 34 patients underwent central vein and cephalic arch angioplasty utilizing an outflow vein tributary as access. Follow-up duration varied among patients. Results: During a 1-year period, a total of 34 patients (20 male and 14 female) underwent interventions for central vein stenosis using a tributary of the outflow vein as an access. These interventions encompassed lesions in the SVC, innominate vein, subclavian vein, cephalic arch, and multisegmental disease. The technical success rate for endovascular treatment stood at 88%. However, in four patients, we encountered difficulties in crossing the lesion despite employing additional access from the great saphenous vein (GSV). Notably, in 23 cases, the entire procedure was successfully completed using access from the tributary vein, whereas in seven patients, supplementary access was obtained from the right GSV. Importantly, none of the patients experienced access site complications. Conclusion: The use of tributary veins as access allows for the use of wide bore sheaths without encountering complications when addressing central vein pathology. Our findings indicate that employing outflow vein tributaries as access for endovascular treatment is both safe and effective in managing central venous disease.

Elevated Leukocyte Glucose Index Is Associated with Long-Term Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Dialysis Patients.

(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred type of vascular access for dialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, the primary patency of AVF at one year is under 70% due to several risk factors and comorbidities. Leukocyte glucose index (LGI), a new biomarker based on blood leukocytes and glucose values, has been found to be associated with poor outcomes in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of LGI on the long-term primary patency of AVF following dialysis initiation. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in which we initially enrolled 158 patients with ESKD admitted to the Vascular Surgery Department of the Emergency County Hospital of Targu Mures, Romania, to surgically create an AVF for dialysis between January 2020 and July 2023. The primary endpoint was AVF failure, defined as the impossibility of performing a chronic dialysis session due to severe restenosis or AVF thrombosis. After follow-up, we categorized patients into two groups based on their AVF status: "functional AVF" for those with a permeable AVF and "AVF failure" for those with vascular access dysfunction. (3) Results: Patients with AVF failure had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.013) and diabetes (p = 0.028), as well as a higher LGI value (1.12 vs. 0.79, p < 0.001). At ROC analysis, LGI had the strongest association with the outcome, with an AUC of 0.729, and an optimal cut-off value of 0.95 (72.4% sensitivity and 68% specificity). In Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, patients in the highest tertile (T3) of LGI had a significantly higher incidence of AVF failure compared to those in tertile 1 (p = 0.019). Moreover, we found that patients with higher baseline LGI values had a significantly higher risk of AVF failure during follow-up (HR: 1.48, p = 0.003). The association is independent of age and sex (HR: 1.65, p = 0.001), cardiovascular risk factors (HR: 1.63, p = 0.012), and pre-operative vascular mapping determinations (HR: 3.49, p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, high preoperative values of LGI are positively associated with long-term AVF failure. The prognostic role of the biomarker was independent of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and pre-operative vascular mapping determinations.

Future Directions and Innovations in Venous Sinus Stenting

This review explores the future role of venous sinus stenting (VSS) in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus. Despite its favorable safety profile and clinical outcomes compared with traditional treatments, VSS is not yet the standard of care for these conditions, lacking high-level evidence data and guidelines for patient selection and indications. Current and recently completed clinical trials are expected to provide data to support the adoption of VSS as a primary treatment option. Additionally, VSS shows potential in treating other conditions, such as dural arteriovenous fistula and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and it is likely that the procedure will continue to see an expansion of its approved indications. The current lack of dedicated venous stenting technology is being addressed with promising advancements, which may improve procedural ease and patient outcomes. VSS also offers potential for expansion into modulation of brain electrophysiology via endovascular routes, offering exciting possibilities for neurodiagnostics and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Endovascular Fistula Salvage for Preserving Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Haemodialysis Patient: Tertiary Referral Hospital, a Single-Centre Experience

Abstract: Efficacy of endovascular intervention for the preservation of failing accesses is very important in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of endovascular balloon angioplasty in preserving the patency of hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. This was a retrospective study of hemodialysis patients who received endovascular intervention due to access difficulties. A single-center study was created between January 2022 and June 2022. Fistulography was conducted on patients suspected of having access stenosis, and balloon angioplasty was performed in the same setting if stenosis of 50% was confirmed. Post-operative complications and access restenosis or failure were monitored. The results obtained 69 patients with hemodialysis access failure due to AVF stenosis, occlusion, and thrombosis that were admitted or referred to our hospital. The majority of patients were 40-60 years (50.7%); 88.4% patients were male and 11.6% were female, with a mean age of 56.3±11.6 (range, 18–77). The sites of AVF failure were brachiocephalic (81.1%) and radiocephalic (18.9%). There was no complication recorded. The procedure succes rate was 81.1%. In conclusion, endovascular balloon angioplasty is effective in restoring hemodialysis access patency. Recurrence is common, and interventions must be repeated. Keeping access open can save lives. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can be used to achieve safely and successfully repair arteriovenous fistulas failure. Keywords: angioplasty; arteriovenous fistula; arteriovenous graft; hemodialysis

Vascular access for hemodialysis in Italy: What a national survey reveals.

Since in Italy there are no official data on vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis the Vascular Access Project Group (VAPG) of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) designed a national survey. A 35-question survey was designed and sent it to the Italian facilities through the SIN website. The basic questions were the prevalence, the location, and the surveillance of VA, the bedside use of ultrasound, the use of fluoroscopy for central venous catheter (CVC) placement, and of buttonhole technique, the role of nephrologist in the access creation. The questionnaire was completed in June 2022 by 161 facilities. The survey registered 15,499 patients, approximately one-third of the Italian dialysis population. The prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF), arteriovenous Graft (AVG), and CVC were 61.8%, 3.7%, and 34.5% respectively. The AVF location was 50% in distal forearm, 20% in meanproximal forearm, 30% in upper arm. For AVF creation, nephrologists were involved in 72% of facilities while for CVC placement in 62%. As regards VA monitoring, 21% of the facilities did not have a surveillance protocol; 60% did not register AVF thrombosis and 53% did not register CVC infections. Most of facilities use the fluoroscope during CVC placement, 37% when needed, and 22% never. Ultrasound-guided puncture of complex AVFs was used by 80% of facilities. Buttonhole puncture was used in 5% of patients. Some considerations emerge from the survey data: (1) The increasing CVC prevalence compared to DOPPS 5 study. (2) The low rate of AVG prevalence. (3) The nephrologist is the operator in many VA procedures. (4) The fluoroscopy for CVC placement and the US-guide puncture of the complex AVF are widely used in most facilities. (5) The practice of the buttonhole is not widespread. (6) When the operator is the nephrologist more distal fistulas are performed.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies Associated with Native Arteriovenous Fistula Complications in Hemodialysis Patients: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-persistent positivity is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) complications such as stenosis and thrombosis are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. The association between aPL positivity and AVF thrombosis seems to now be well established. However, whether aPL positivity is associated with other AVF complications, such as maturation failure or stenosis, is not well known. Given the significant impact of AVF failure on patient's prognosis, it is of interest to further investigate this particular point in order to improve prevention, surveillance and treatment, and, ultimately, the patient's outcome. This literature review aims to report the recent literature on aPL-associated native AVF complications.

Bilateral thalamic edema caused by tentorial galenic dural arteriovenous fistula and sinus thrombosis: successful endovascular therapy

Bilateral thalamic edema caused by tentorial galenic dural arteriovenous fistula and sinus thrombosis: successful endovascular therapy

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula and deep cerebral venous thrombosis: A case report

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula and deep cerebral venous thrombosis: A case report