Effects of upper-extremity vascular access creation on cardiac events in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

The present study was conducted to investigate whether upper-extremity vascular access (VA) creation increases the risk for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with an in situ left internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft. A total of 111 patients with CABG with a left ITA graft who underwent upper-extremity VA creation were analyzed retrospectively; 93 patients received left VA creation (83.8%, ipsilateral group) and 18 patients received right VA creation (16.2%, contralateral group). The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE, and the secondary outcome was the composite of MACE or late death. There were no significant differences in the incidence of primary (P = 0.30) or secondary (P = 0.09) outcomes between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that prior cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio [HR] 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–7.97; P = 0.01) and type of VA (HR 3.44; 95% CI 1.34–8.82; P = 0.01) were independently associated with MACE; prior peripheral arterial occlusive disease (HR 4.22; 95% CI 1.62–10.98; P<0.01) and type of VA (arteriovenous fistula vs. prosthetic arteriovenous grafting) (HR 3.06; 95% CI, 1.42–6.61; P<0.01) were associated with the composite of MACE or death. The side and location of VA were not associated with MACE or death. Our study showed no definite evidence that ipsilateral VA creation affects the subsequent occurrence of MACE or late death from any cause. The type of VA (a prosthetic arteriovenous grafting) is a significant predictor of the subsequent occurrence of MACE or late death.

Rivaroxaban in the Treatment of PICC-associated Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis

PURPOSE

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are frequently used for prolonged drug administration, but their use is commonly complicated by the development of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) requiring anticoagulation. Here, we compared the efficacy and safety profile of rivaroxaban (20 mg/d) with low molecular weight (LMW) heparin and vitamin K antagonists in the treatment of PICC-associated UEDVT.

METHODS

Patients (N = 84) with PICC-associated UEDVT were studied. All had UEDVT identified by ultrasound scanning. Further ultrasound images were obtained at 1, 2, and 3 months after the start of treatment. Forty-four patients were treated with rivaroxaban and 40 with initial LMW heparin and vitamin K antagonist with continuation of vitamin K antagonists alone once international normalized ratio was therapeutic FINDINGS: In the rivaroxaban group mean (SD) age was 51 (16) years and 57% were men, whereas in the other group respective values were 50 (16) years and 56%. All patients were receiving treatment for cancer. Resolution of thrombus had occurred in 53.5% at 1 month, 76.1% at 2 months, and 92.6% at 3 months in the rivaroxaban-treated patients. Corresponding values in the LMW heparin/vitamin antagonist-treated patients were 34.2%, 55.5%, and 88.5%, respectively. Differences between groups were significant at 1 month (P < 0.01) and 2 months (P < 0.05). There were no major bleeds in either group, and cumulative bleeding rates by 3 months were 7.3% in the rivaroxaban group and 11.4% in the LMW heparin/vitamin K antagonist group.

IMPLICATIONS

Rivaroxaban led to faster resolution of PICC-associated UEDVT than LMW/vitamin K antagonists without any increase in bleeding.

Stromal vascular fraction cells for the treatment of critical limb ischemia: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Cell-based therapy is being explored as an alternative treatment option for critical limb ischemia (CLI), a disease associated with high amputation and mortality rates and poor quality of life. However, therapeutic potential of uncultured adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells has not been evaluated as a possible treatment. In this pilot study, we investigated the efficacy of multiple injections of autologous uncultured adipose-derived SVF cells to treat patients with CLI.

METHODS

This study included 15 patients, from 35 to 77 years old, with rest pain and ulceration. SVF cells were injected once or twice in the ischemic limb along the arteries. Digital subtraction angiography was performed before and after cell therapy. The clinical follow up was carried out for the subsequent 12 months after the beginning of the treatment.

RESULTS

Multiple intramuscular SVF cell injections caused no complications during the follow-up period. Clinical improvement occurred in 86.7% of patients. Two patients required major amputation, and the amputation sites healed completely. The rest of patients achieved a complete ulcer healing, pain relief, improved ankle-brachial pressure index and claudication walking distance, and had ameliorated their quality of life. Digital subtraction angiography performed before and after SVF cell therapy showed formation of numerous vascular collateral networks across affected arteries.

CONCLUSION

Results of this pilot study demonstrate that the multiple intramuscular SVF cell injections stimulate regeneration of injured tissue and are effective alternative to achieve therapeutic angiogenesis in CLI patients who are not eligible for conventional treatment. Trial registration number at ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN13001382. Retrospectively registered at 26/04/2017.

Accidental Intra Arterial Injection And Limb Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Accidental intra-arterial drug injections usually occur as an iatrogenic complication but it is also found in drug abusers as a result of attempted intravenous (IV) injections. It is estimated that accidental intra-arterial injections are found in 1:3500-1:56000 patients visiting emergency department.

METHODS

This was cross sectional study performed in cardiovascular department Lady reading Hospital Peshawar from 1.1.2013 to 31.8.2015. Accidental intra-arterial injection was defined as intravenous injection in upper limb for any illness which is followed by sudden severe pain in limb followed by bluish discoloration of any part of limb. Data was analysed using SPSS-20. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variables like while Means±SD was calculated for numerical variables. Chi square test was used to compare Categorical variables.

RESULTS

Total 30 patients were studied in whom 17 were male. Mean age of the study population was 43.2±17.9 years. All patients after admission were put on intravenous Heparin alone or in combination with Dexamethason, Beraprost and Nifedifin on discretion of visiting consultant. Injection diclofenac were found more frequently as cause of limb ischemia (43 %). Amputation of digits or part of limb was noted in 7 (23.1 %) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Accidental intra-arterial injection can lead to limb ischemia and even limb loss so while injecting IV drugs, care should be taken to use venous site away from arterial sites.

Arteriovenous fistula patency in the 3 years following vonapanitase and placebo treatment

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the long-term outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas treated with vonapanitase (recombinant human elastase) at the time of surgical creation.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 151 patients undergoing radiocephalic or brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation who were randomized equally to placebo, vonapanitase 10 μg, or vonapanitase 30 μg. The results after 1 year of follow-up were previously reported. The current analysis occurred when the last patient treated was observed for 3 years. For the current analysis, the primary end point was primary patency; the secondary end points included secondary patency, use of the fistula for hemodialysis, and rate of procedures to restore or to maintain patency.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the risk of primary patency loss with vonapanitase 10 μg or 30 μg vs placebo. When seven initial patency loss events related to cephalic arch and central vein balloon angioplasty were excluded, the risk of patency loss was reduced with vonapanitase overall (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; P = .049) and 30 μg (HR, 0.51; P = .03). In patients with radiocephalic fistulas (n = 67), the risks of primary and secondary patency loss were reduced with 30 μg (HR, 0.37 [P = .02] and 0.24 [P = .046], respectively). The rate of procedures to restore or to maintain fistula patency was reduced with 30 μg vs placebo (0.23 vs 0.72 procedure days/patient/year; P = .03) and also reduced in patients with radiocephalic fistulas with 30 μg vs placebo (0.17 vs 0.85 procedure days/patient/year; P = .048).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, vonapanitase did not significantly improve primary patency in the primary analysis but did significantly improve primary patency in an analysis that excluded patency loss due to cephalic arch and central vein balloon angioplasty. In patients with radiocephalic fistulas, 30 μg significantly improved primary and secondary patency. Vonapanitase 30 μg decreased the rate of procedures to restore or to maintain patency in the analysis that included all patients and in the subset with radiocephalic fistulas.

Upper extremity vascular complications following transradial approach for cardiac catheterization and intervention: a focused review of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic considerations

Cardiac catheterization using the transradial approach has dramatically increased in worldwide adoption since its original description almost thirty years ago. Over the past decade, a groundswell of contemporary clinical data has demonstrated the superiority of the transradial approach over transfemoral catheterization with respect to bleeding and vascular complications, time to ambulation, length of hospital stay, healthcare economics, as well as patient comfort and satisfaction. In addition, large multicenter clinical trials have demonstrated trends in mortality reduction with the transradial compared to transfemoral approach in high risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. As enthusiasm for the transradial approach has grown, the technique has expanded to more complex applications and patient subsets beyond those initially studied. Concerns regarding the risk of vascular complications following transradial procedures persist and questions regarding the safety and feasibility of repeated radial access have been raised. This article reviews various complications of the upper extremity associated with the transradial approach for catheter-based interventions. We discuss the vascular changes following radial artery cannulation, and describe in detail the incidence, risk factors, identification, and treatment of radial artery spasm, radial artery occlusion, radial pseudoaneurysm, radiobrachial perforation, forearm hematomas and compartment syndrome, hand ischemia, and radial artery avulsion. This review serves as a practical guide to the common and uncommon complications of the upper extremity that the contemporary transradial operator may be faced with.

Upper limb ischemia from arterial thromboembolism: a comprehensive review of incidence, etiology, clinical aspects, diagnostic tools, treatment options and prognosis

Upper limb thromboembolism is a relatively uncommon clinical syndrome that mainly affects elderly patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Atrial fibrillation has been recognized as the main cause. However, many other cardiac and non-cardiac disorders have been identified as possible sources of upper limb thromboemboli. From a clinical point of view, upper limb thromboembolism represents a vascular emergency so that the delay in diagnosis and treatment is highly likely to imply dramatic complications. Therefore, prompt recognition and treatment is mandatory as well as identification and correction of risk factors. Despite its clinical relevance, data in literature are lacking and sparse, most likely because upper limb thromboembolism has a relatively low prevalence in the general population. We sought to write a simple but comprehensive review of this topic, thus proving cardiologists and critical care physicians with the essential tools to recognize and treat upper limb thromboembolism, identifying and correcting also its risk factors and causes.

Thoracic sympathectomy for upper extremity ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic sympathectomy is performed in the management of a variety of disorders of the upper extremity. To evaluate the contemporary results of thoracic sympathectomy for upper extremity ischemia a systematic review of the literature was conducted.

EVIDENCE AQUISITION

We performed a PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane search of the literature written in the English language from January 1975 to December 2015. All articles presenting original patient data regarding the effect of treatment on symptoms or on the healing of ulcers were eligible for inclusion. Individual analyses for Primary Raynaud's Disease (PRD) and Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon (SRP) were performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 6 prospective and 23 retrospective series with a total of 753 patients and 1026 affected limbs. Early beneficial effects of thoracic sympathectomy were noticed in 63-100% (median 94%) of all patients, in 73-100% (median 98%) of PRD patients and in 63-100% (median 94%) of SRP patients. The beneficial effect was noted to lessen over time. Long-term beneficial effects were reported in 13-100% (median 75%) of all patients, in 22-100% (median 58%) of PRD patients, and in 13-100% (median 79%) of SRD patients. Complete or improved ulcer healing was achieved in 33-100% and 25-67% respectively, of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic sympathectomy can be beneficial in the treatment of upper extremity ischemia in select patients. Although the effect in patients with PRD will lessen over time, it may still reduce the severity of symptoms. In SRD, effects are more often long-lasting. In addition, thoracic sympathectomy may maximize tissue preservation or prevent amputation in cases of digital ulceration.

Angiographic study of upper limb vascularization in a large cohort of hemodialysis patients with critical hand ischemia

BACKGROUND

Critical hand ischemia (CHI) is a not rare condition in patients with end-stage-renal-disease on hemodialysis (HD), and presents devastating consequences due to its impact on life quality. In HD patients CHI may be related to three main conditions: obstruction of the big upper limb arteries, obstruction of the small hand and finger arteries, and the steal effect of a hemodialysis access. The aim of this study was to describe the angiographic pattern of upper limb vascularization and associated cardiovascular risk factors, in a large cohort of consecutive HD patients with CHI studied in our center.

METHODS

In our center 114 HD consecutive patients (age 64±10 years) with a total of 132 upper limbs affected by CHI (21 with rest pain and 93 with tissue loss) underwent angiography in our center. The majority of them were diabetic males. We computed the prevalence of obstructive disease for each vascular segment of the upper limb.

RESULTS

Above-the-elbow arteries were mostly spared, while below-the-elbow and hand arteries were extensively affected. We found a stenosis or occlusion in humeral artery (2.3%), radial (61.4%) or ulnar (90.1%) arteries, deep palmar arch (51.5%), superficial palmar arch (58.3%) and digital arteries (72.4%). In 42.4% of cases an ipsilateral functioning arteriovenous fistula was present.

CONCLUSIONS

CHI in HD patients is a result of below-the-elbow and hand vessel obstruction and is not primarily related to dialysis access.

Use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Treatment of Upper Extremity Vascular Ulcers

Ischemic vascular ulcerations of the upper extremities are an uncommon and frequently painful condition most often associated with scleroderma and small vessel inflammatory diseases. Digital amputation has been advocated as primary therapy because of the poor outcome with medical care. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pump therapy can improve ulcer healing in lower extremity ischemic ulcerations; however, the value of this treatment in upper extremity ischemic ulcerations is not known. This observational pilot study consisted of a consecutive series of 26 patients with 27 upper extremity ischemic vascular ulcers seen at the Mayo Gonda Vascular Center from 1996 to 2003. Inclusion criteria were documented index of ulcer size and follow-up ulcer size and use of the IPC pump as adjunctive wound treatment. Twenty-six of 27 ulcers (96%) healed with the use of the IPC pump. Mean baseline ulcer size was 1.0 cm2 (SD=0.3 cm2) and scleroderma was the underlying disease in 65% (17/26) of cases. Laser Doppler blood flow in the affected digit was 7 flux units (normal greater than 100). The mean ulcer duration before IPC treatment was 31 weeks. The average pump use was 5 hours per day. The mean time to wound healing was 25 weeks. Twenty-five of 26 patients reported an improvement in wound pain with pump use. Intensive IPC pump use is feasible and associated with a high rate of healing in upper extremity ischemic ulcers. A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study of IPC is needed to determine whether IPC treatment improves wound healing compared to standard medical care.

Subclavian Steal Syndrome in Acute Myocardial Infarction Masquerading as Acute Embolism to Left Upper Extremity

Subclavian steal syndrome is an uncommon entity diagnosed with angiography after neurologic symptoms occur during activity with the upper extremity. Cardiac symptoms or silent ischemia have been described in patients who have undergone cardiac bypass using the ipsilateral internal mammary artery. Our patient presented with acute chest pain radiating to the left upper extremity and a diminished pulse. Angiography to rule out an acute embolus instead revealed subclavian artery occlusion. As atherosclerosis is the most common cause, the ipsilateral subclavian artery should be carefully evaluated, particularly in cardiac patients undergoing coronary angiography. Recognition of coexisting subclavian artery occlusion could prevent cardiac complications that may occur with use of the ipsilateral internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass surgery.

Superior Vena Cava Perforation and Cardiac Tamponade After Filter Placement in the Superior Vena Cava

The purpose of this paper is to report the complication of perforation of the superior vena cava (SVC) leading to cardiac tamponade after the insertion of a Trapease IVC filter in the SVC position. A 29-year-old man was hit by a motor vehicle and sustained numerous injuries including a left skull fracture, intracerebral hemorrhage, and left open tibial shaft fracture. During his hospitalization, he developed an extensive symptomatic right upper extremity deep venous thrombosis involving the brachial, axillary, subclavian, internal jugular, and brachiocephalic veins. Owing to an intracerebral bleed, anticoagulation was contraindicated. Therefore, a Trapease filter (Cordis Inc.) was placed in the SVC via the left subclavian vein. Four hours later, the patient became hypotensive with associated tachycardia and tachypnea. Computed tomography of his chest revealed a hematoma around the SVC, a moderate amount of fluid within the pericardium, and a moderate-sized right pleural effusion. The patient was taken to the operating room and a pericardial window was performed. Approximately 500 cc of blood was evacuated from the pericardium and immediate improvement in vital signs was noted. The patient was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks later and at 6-month follow-up had made a full recovery. This is the first case of SVC perforation leading to cardiac tamponade after the insertion of a Trapease filter. Owing to the rigid structure of the filter and associated motion of the SVC and pericardium, the Trapease filter may be contraindicated in the SVC.

Endovascular Management of Traumatic Axillary Artery Dissection

A 43-year-old man was admitted to this hospital with a cool, slightly numb, left upper extremity after trauma. Physical examination revealed a cool left forearm and hand, with no distal pulses. An intraoperative angiogram demonstrated short-segment dissection and occlusion of the left axillary artery. A 10 mm x 40 mm self-expanding stent was placed across the intimal flap to reinstitute peripheral flow. Early postoperative duplex scanning showed normal flow through the axillary artery.

An Integrative Review of Outcomes in Patients with Acute Primary Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis Following No Treatment or Treatment with Anticoagulation, Thrombolysis, or Surgical Algorithms

Primary upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is a rare condition that typically affects young patients and can cause considerable long-term morbidity. Proposed treatments have included rest, heat, elevation of the affected limb, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, surgical decompression, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and stenting. However, the optimal management of primary UEDVT remains controversial. This study was an integrative review of the English-language literature since 1965 on primary UEDVT, with comparison of long-term symptoms, rethrombosis, and pulmonary embolism in 4 treatment algorithms: rest, heat, and elevation alone; anticoagulation alone; surgical decompression without thrombolysis; and algorithms including thrombolysis. Forty-one studies describing 559 patients met the criteria for inclusion. Statistically significant differences were found among the 4 treatment algorithms in the incidence of residual symptoms (p< 0.000), the incidence of pulmonary embolism (p<0.000), and the incidence of rethrombosis (p<0.027). Residual symptoms and the severity of residual symptoms were greatest in the rest, heat, and elevation algorithm (74%), followed by the surgical (60%), anticoagulation (44%), and thrombolysis (22%) algorithms. Pulmonary embolism was also greatest in the rest, heat, and elevation algorithm (12%), followed by the anticoagulation (7%), thrombolysis (1%), and surgical algorithms (0%), while rethrombosis was greatest in the thrombolytic algorithm (7%) followed by the surgical (3%), anticoagulation (2%), and rest, heat, and elevation (0%) algorithms. These results support the current clinical practice of a staged, multidisciplinary approach to treatment of primary UEDVT that includes thrombolytic therapy and possible surgical decompression. Further studies are needed to evaluate the natural history of patients treated with thrombolysis alone, to assess the optimal timing of surgical decompression, and to determine the best use of PTA and stenting in the multidisciplinary approach.

Vascular Reconstruction in Limbs with Malignant Tumors

Patients with tumors in limbs who undergo surgical treatment may present involvement of major vessels. Major arteries must be reconstructed for limb salvage. Major veins may be reconstructed to avoid the onset of venous hypertension. The objective of this study is to analyze the results from surgical treatment of malignant tumors associated with vascular reconstruction in limbs. A prospective follow-up was made of 20 patients with malignant tumors involving major vessels in limbs who underwent vascular reconstruction. Arterial and venous reconstructions were performed in 11 patients, arterial reconstruction in 7, and venous reconstruction in 2. The vascular substitutes utilized were: greater saphenous vein (21), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthesis (5), and Dacron prosthesis (5). Vascular complications occurred in 9 patients: 1 rupture of the arterial graft, 4 occlusions of the venous graft, and worsening of previous edema in 4 patients. Nonvascular complications occurred in 6 patients: infection (2), neurologic deficit (2), partial necrosis of the flap (1), and enteric fistula (1). Four patients presented local recurrence, and 1 of them underwent transfemoral amputation. Seven patients presented pulmonary metastases, of whom 4 died. Arterial revascularization in association with the resection of limb neoplasm is a safe procedure with a low rate of complications. Venous revascularization should be performed using an autologous substitute.

Upper Extremity Ischemia from Developmental Failure of Brachial Artery

Advances in medicine and technology have increased brachial artery utilization for diagnostic and interventional radiology. Hence, detection and assessment of variations in upper extremity vasculature are important regardless of the low surgical intervention rate in the upper extremity. Anomalies of the upper extremity artery are infrequently reported, and anomalies of the brachial artery are even less common. Presented here is a case of developmental failure of the brachial artery. A segment about 2.1 cm from its origin was treated with bypass surgery. This is presented as an uncommon variation of the brachial artery.

Right Ventricular Enlargement within Months of Arteriovenous Fistula Creation in 2 Hemodialysis Patients

Surgically created arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) for hemodialysis can contribute to hemodynamic changes. We describe the cases of 2 male patients in whom new right ventricular enlargement developed after an AVF was created for hemodialysis. Patient 1 sustained high-output heart failure solely attributable to the AVF. After AVF banding and subsequent ligation, his heart failure and right ventricular enlargement resolved. In Patient 2, the AVF contributed to new-onset right ventricular enlargement, heart failure, and ascites. His severe pulmonary hypertension was caused by diastolic heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. His right ventricular enlargement and heart failure symptoms did not improve after AVF ligation. We think that our report is the first to specifically correlate the echocardiographic finding of right ventricular enlargement with AVF sequelae. Clinicians who treat end-stage renal disease patients should be aware of this potential sequela of AVF creation, particularly in the upper arm. We recommend obtaining preoperative echocardiograms in all patients who will undergo upper-arm AVF creation, so that comparisons can be made postoperatively. Alternative consideration should be given to creating the AVF in the radial artery, because of less shunting and therefore less potential for right-sided heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. A multidisciplinary approach is optimal when selecting patients for AVF banding or ligation.

A modified nontransposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula versus brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula for maintenance hemodialysis access

OBJECTIVE

With the growing need for reliable and durable upper arm hemodialysis access, we sought to compare the performance of a novel modified nontransposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula (mNT-BBAVF) with that of the more traditional brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (BCAVF).

METHODS

Briefly, to construct an mNT-BBAVF, an incision is made on the ulnar side of the elbow. The brachial artery and basilic vein are then isolated, and a side-to-side anastomosis is performed without transposition of the basilic vein. Next, the proximal basilic vein and the perforating veins within the surgical field are ligated. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent either an mNT-BBAVF or a BCAVF between January 2011 and October 2014 to compare 1-year primary unassisted patency, cumulative patency, and complications. We also examined hemodynamic parameters of vessels in each fistula type.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 84 patients: 45 had a BCAVF, and 39 had an mNT-BBAVF. The two groups were well matched for baseline characteristics. Maturation rates at 1 month were 97% for mNT-BBAVF and 96% for BCAVF. The 1-year primary unassisted patency was significantly higher in the mNT-BBAVF group than that in the BCAVF group (87% vs 67%; hazard ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-6.40; P = .03), although cumulative patency did not differ (90% vs 73%; hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-6.96 ; P = .06). There were no differences in thrombosis, failure of maturation, bleeding, steal syndrome, arm swelling, aneurysm, and stenosis between the two groups during the 12-month study. Importantly, diameters and blood flow volumes of the proximal cephalic vein, distal cephalic vein, and distal basilic vein in patients who received an mNT-BBAVF increased significantly after 12 months. All three vessels met the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) criteria for fistula maturation and were available for dialysis cannulation, whereas only the proximal cephalic vein in the BCAVF group met the maturation criteria and could be used for cannulation.

CONCLUSIONS

mNT-BBAVF appeared to be an effective alternative to BCAVF for upper arm hemodialysis access.

Efficacy of the Ulnar-Basilic Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The fistula first initiative has promoted arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) as the vascular access of choice. To preserve as many future access options as possible, multiple guidelines advocate that the most distal AVF possible should be created in the first place. Generally, snuff box and radiocephalic (RC) are accepted and well-described sites for AVFs; however, the forearm ulnar-basilic (UB) AVF is seldom used or recommended. The aim of this study is to assess and systematically review the evidence base for the creation of the UB fistula and to critically appraise whether more attention should be given to this site.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for studies involving the creation of UB fistulas for dialysis in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcomes for this study were 1-year primary and secondary patency rates. Secondary outcomes were rates of hemodialysis access-induced distal ischemia (HAIDI) and infection.

RESULTS

After strict inclusion and/or exclusion criteria by 2 reviewers, 8 studies were included in our review. Weighted-pooled data reveal 1-year primary patency rate for UB AVFs of 53.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.1-65.8%) with a secondary patency rate of 72.0% (95% CI: 59.2-83.3). HAIDI and infection rates were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review has shown that the UB AVF may be a viable alternative when a RC AVF is not possible, and dialysis is not required urgently. It has adequate 1-year primary and secondary patency rates and extremely low risk of HAIDI. While it may be more challenging for both surgeons and dialysis nurses to make it a successful vascular access it offers a further option of distal access which may be overlooked.

[Alternative variants of formation of permanent vascular access for hemodialysis]

A native arteriovenous fistula is the most preferred type of a permanent vascular access (PVA) amongst the patients on programmed haemodialysis. Complications of vascular accesses leading to their lost with time would eventually and unavoidably result in exhaustion of the vascular recourses of the patient thus creating posing a problem while forming yet another PVA. Taking into consideration vitally important necessity of carrying out haemodialysis procedures for these patients, vascular surgeons have to search for alternative variants of access to the vascular bed. According to the KDOQI guidelines, in case of full loss of suitable vessels on upper limbs, formation of PVA may be possible in the area of the femur and in the upper third of the chest, predominantly with the use of a prosthesis as a shunt. Presented in the article are different variants of PVA whose creation was dictated by impossibility of using standard approaches to treatment of such patients.