Endovascular treatment for immature autogenous arteriovenous fistula

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy and safety of balloon angioplasty in salvaging non-matured arteriovenous fistulas

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and technical success rates achieved after performing balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) for non-matured arteriovenous fistula (AVF). For this, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies regarding AVFs not suitable for use based on clinical examination or ultrasound criteria and BAM use for correcting the underlying stenotic lesion were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Accordingly, 13 studies with 1427 patients with non-matured AVF who underwent BAM were included. The pooled random effect for the clinical success rate was 90% (95% CI, 86%-93%), and that for the technical success rate was 97% (95% CI, 94%-99%). Complications after BAM were reported in 1.7%-41% of the patients. Complications included venous ruptures, wall hematomas, and puncture site hematomas. Early-BAM group had better clinical success rates. BAM is an effective intervention for salvaging non-matured AVF. The procedure is safe and feasible, and high clinical and technical success rates can be achieved. The complications were also manageable without serious sequelae.

Management of Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas

In patients requiring long-term hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease, an arteriovenous fistula is the preferred mode of hemodialysis access over synthetic arteriovenous graft or hemodialysis catheters. The National Kidney Foundation recommended in their Kidney Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Clinical Practice Guidelines that the creation of an autogenous arteriovenous fistula should initially be sought whenever possible. In 2003, a program named the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative was initiated in the U.S. to increase the use of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis and to ultimately surpass the goal of 50% fistula use in incident and 40% fistula use in prevalent hemodialysis patients per recommendation by KDOQI Guidelines. While this goal was achieved, the encouraged creation of arteriovenous fistulas saw a rise in fistulas that failed to mature. Researchers have focused on developing strategies to optimize fistula maturation. Studies have revealed that the presence of stenoses and accessory draining veins may contribute to unsuccessful fistula maturation. Endovascular treatment, including balloon angioplasty and accessory vein embolization, aim to correct anatomical factors that negatively affect the maturation process. This article reviews the techniques and outcomes of endovascular treatment in the management of immature fistulas.

Editor's Choice - Interventions to Achieve Functionality in Newly Created Arteriovenous Fistulas in the Shunt Simulation Study Cohort

OBJECTIVE

Although observational cohort studies report that interventions to achieve functionality are clinically successful in 85% of patients, the proportion of newly created autologous arteriovenous fistulas that result in functional vascular access typically is only 70 - 80%. To address this discrepancy, the selection and outcomes of interventions to achieve functionality in a multicentre prospective cohort study were analysed.

METHODS

The Shunt Simulation Study enrolled 222 patients who needed a first arteriovenous fistula in nine dialysis units in The Netherlands from 2015 to 2018 and followed these patients until one year after access creation. In this observational study, the technical and clinical success rates of interventions to achieve functionality based on lesion and intervention characteristics were analysed and the clinical outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas with assisted and unassisted functionality were compared.

RESULTS

For patients who were on dialysis treatment at the end of the study, unassisted fistula functionality was 54% and overall fistula functionality was 78%. Thirty-four per cent of arteriovenous fistulas required an intervention to achieve functionality, 68% of which eventually became functional. Seventy-five per cent of these interventions were percutaneous balloon angioplasties of vascular access stenoses. Patients with clinically successful interventions to achieve functionality had larger pre-operative vein diameters (2.8 ± 1.0 mm vs. 2.3 ± 0.6 mm, p = .036) and less often presented with thrombosed fistulas than patients with unsuccessful interventions (7% vs. 43%, p = .006). Arteriovenous fistulas with assisted functionality had similar secondary patency as fistulas with unassisted functionality (100% and 98% at six months, p = .44), although they required more interventions to maintain function (2.6 vs. 1.7 per year; rate ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.04 - 2.18, p = .032).

CONCLUSION

Interventions to achieve functionality were needed in about a third of newly created arteriovenous fistulas. Most thrombosed fistulas were abandoned, and when selected for thrombectomy rarely reached clinical success. On the other hand, interventions to achieve functionality of patent fistulas had high clinical success rates and therefore can be done repeatedly until the fistula has become functional.

Accessory Vein Obliteration and Balloon-Assisted Maturation for Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas for Haemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine outcomes of immature arteriovenous fistula salvage using balloon angioplasty (PTA) without and with accessory vein obliteration (PTA + VO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase were accessed on 21 September 2020 to retrieve cohort studies on adult patients with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) requiring dialysis. Risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies were pooled into PTA or PTA + VO arms, with outcomes (technical/clinical success, primary/secondary post-intervention patency until 12 months) reported as event rates with 95% confidence intervals. Random-effects model and maximum likelihood meta-regression were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (1030 participants) were included. The between-subgroup difference in outcomes was largely non-significant (p > 0.050).

CONCLUSION

The evidence does not support balloon angioplasty with concomitant accessory vein obliteration for immature fistula salvage.

The clinical outcome of balloon-assisted maturation procedure between autogenous radiocephalic fistula and brachiocephalic fistula in a single center experience

OBJECTIVE

Balloon-assisted maturation by an endovascular method plays an important role in treating an immature arteriovenous fistula. However, the results between radiocephalic fistula and brachiocephalic fistula were rarely reported. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and outcome of balloon-assisted maturation in different sites of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent balloon-assisted maturation procedures from January 2015 to December 2016. Of 148 patients, 117 and 31 patients had a radiocephalic fistula and a brachiocephalic fistula, respectively. The primary outcome was balloon-assisted maturation success. Data regarding fistula lesions, balloon types and size, frequency of procedures, and maturation time were collected for balloon-assisted maturations. The secondary outcome was the patency of a fistula in the follow-up period.

RESULTS

No difference was observed in procedure of balloon-assisted maturation frequency between the radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistula groups. The total success rate was 77.7%, without significant difference between radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistula groups (81.20% vs. 64.50%; P=0.055). Within the procedures, the culprit lesion of juxta-anastomosis segment (73.5% vs. 25.5%, P<0.001) and arterial inlet (21.2% vs. 7.8%, P=0.04) were more common in the radiocephalic fistula group, whereas the venous outlet was more common in the brachiocephalic fistula group (88.2% vs. 57.7%, P<0.001). Both groups had an equivalent patency rate after the balloon-assisted maturation within the follow-up period (P=0.272).

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon-assisted maturation was an effective procedure for immature fistulas, without significant difference between the radiocephalic and brachiocephalic fistulas. Through the procedure, the culprit lesions causing non-maturation were found to be different between the two groups. The patency rate between the two groups after surgery seems to be equivalent within the follow-up period.

Long‐segment restrictive tear of radial artery under ultrasound guide for arteriovenous fistula by PTA: A case report

Considerable calcification and stenosis frequently occur in the radial artery (RA) in diabetic nephropathy. PTA was performed successfully using a balloon to expand and restrictively tear the longitudinal axis of the RA. This approach seems to be a useful measure of promoting the maturation of AVF in diabetic nephropathy.

Endovascular Arteriovenous Dialysis Fistula Intervention: Outcomes and Factors Contributing to Fistula Failure

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Primary patency is variable with arteriovenous fistulas, and many patients require angiographic procedures to obtain patency. Accordingly, we determined postintervention patency rates and contributing factors for fistula failure following intervention to establish secondary patency in non-dialysis-dependent patients with advanced chronic kidney disease following creation of an arteriovenous fistula.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study from a single referral center.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

210 non-dialysis-dependent patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who underwent upper-extremity fistula creation for anticipated dialysis between October 1995 and January 2015 and who required subsequent endovascular therapy to establish or maintain patency were reviewed.

EXPOSURE

Endovascular therapy for dialysis arteriovenous fistula primary patency failure.

OUTCOMES

Postintervention patency duration following endovascular therapy.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Descriptive study with outcomes determined using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Multiple fistula configurations were reviewed: 138 (65.7%) brachiocephalic, 39 (18.6%) radiocephalic, 30 (14.3%) brachiobasilic, 2 (1.0%) ulnocephalic, and 1 (0.5%) radiobasilic. There were 261 initial stenoses treated. Postintervention primary patency is defined as the time from the index intervention to repeat intervention for stenosis. Postintervention primary-assisted patency is the time from the index intervention to thrombectomy for fistula thrombosis or change in modality. Postintervention secondary patency is the time from the index intervention to fistula abandonment. Median postintervention primary patency, postintervention primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency were 2.7, 3.2, and 3.6 years, respectively. The overall 1-year primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates in this cohort were 53.0%, 87.7%, and 83.5%, respectively. Compared with radiocephalic fistulas, brachiocephalic fistulas had higher risk for postintervention primary patency loss (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.13-3.20; P = 0.02).

LIMITATIONS

Dialysis fistula revascularization techniques varied.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiocephalic fistula configuration had the best postintervention primary patency in this cohort. Postintervention primary-assisted patency and secondary patency were not significantly different among different fistula configurations.

Endovascular salvage of non-maturing autogenous arteriovenous fistulas by using angioplasty and competitive vein embolization

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate the maturation and patency rates after endovascular treatment of non-maturing arteriovenous fistulas with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, embolization of competitive veins, or a combination of both in a series of consecutive patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of patients with non-matured arteriovenous fistulas treated in our hospital was performed. Fistulography and ultrasonography was performed in all patients to evaluate the presence of stenosis and competitive veins. Significant stenoses (> 50%) were treated with balloon angioplasty and competitive veins (accessory and collateral veins) with coil embolization.

RESULTS

A total of 78 fistulas were treated. Angioplasty and coil embolization were performed in 73 and 51 patients, respectively. No major complications occurred. In 65 out of 78 arteriovenous fistulas (83%), successful cannulation with two needles was possible after endovascular treatment. Sixty-three arteriovenous fistulas (81%) were used successfully for at least 3 months. Accessory veins were the only lesion present in 14% of the arteriovenous fistulas; coil embolization of these accessory veins resulted in 100% successful maturation. The estimated 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention assisted primary patency rates were, respectively, 73%, 55%, and 45%. The estimated 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention secondary patency rates were, respectively, 81%, 78%, and 73%.

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

Angioplasty and coil embolization are successful and safe procedures that can convert a non-mature fistula into a mature one in more than 80% of patients. Accessory vein embolization may be more important than collateral vein embolization in the presence of stenosis.

Transfemoral Venous Access Facilitates Upper Extremity Dialysis Interventions: Procedural Success and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

To report technical success and clinical outcomes of transfemoral venous access for upper extremity dialysis interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 15 patients underwent a transfemoral venous approach for fistulography (n = 4; 27%) or thrombectomy (n = 11; 73%) over a 14-month period. Access characteristics, sheath size, thrombectomy method, angioplasty site, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, technical and clinical success, complications, and post-intervention primary and secondary patency rates were recorded.

RESULTS

Access type included arteriovenous fistulas (n = 10; 67%) and grafts (n = 5; 33%). The most common configuration was brachio-brachial (n = 6; 38%). Mean age of access was 37 months. Mean prior interventions were 4. Right CFV access was used in all patients using 6-8-French (most common: 7-French [n = 10; 67%]) sheaths. Most thrombectomies (n = 11; 73%) required both pharmacologic and mechanical maceration (n = 9; 82%). All accesses required angioplasty to treat underlying stenosis at the outflow vein (n = 12; 80%) or arteriovenous anastomosis (n = 9; 90%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 26.43 min. Air kerma and dose area product were 178.06 ± 225.77 mGy and 57,768.83 ± 87,553.29 μGym², respectively. Procedural and clinical success rates were 93% and 80%, respectively. Technical failure was due to persistent stenosis in one patient. Clinical failure was due to unsuccessful dialysis immediately following intervention in three patients. Mean post-intervention primary patency and secondary patency durations were 2.8 and 4.8 months, respectively. Primary patency rates at 1 and 3 months were 50% and 35%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 1 and 3 months were 58% and 30%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A transfemoral venous approach for intervention of upper extremity dialysis accesses may be a valuable adjunct to traditional approaches.

Endovascular management in immature arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

To evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors of endovascular management in immature arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis.From April 2007 to September 2017, 54 patients (male:female = 31:23, mean age 65.63 years, range 33-90 years) who underwent endovascular management for the salvage of immature AVF were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, procedural details, and results were evaluated. Primary and secondary patency rates and factors influencing the patency were also analyzed.Technical and clinical success rates were 88.9% (48/54) and 85.2% (46/54), respectively. Mean primary and secondary patency was 42.10 (±8.85) and 91.5 (±14.77) months, respectively. Primary and secondary patency rates were 66% and 89% in 1 year, 66% and 78% in 2 years, and 51% and 78% in 3 years. In multivariate analysis, only brachiocephalic AVF and antegrade access procedures showed significantly shorter primary patency (HR 5.196; 95% CI (1.04-25.77); P = .044, HR 8.096; 95% CI (1.36-48.00); P = .021). There was no statistically significant factor associated with secondary patency in the multivariate study.Endovascular management in immature AVF is safe and effective to make the AVF available. Brachiocephalic AVF and antegrade access procedures are the factors influencing the patency in multivariate analysis.

Angioplasty to promote arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance

The arteriovenous fistula is currently the best permanent access for the hemodialysis patient. Unfortunately, stenosis impairs maturation, long-term survival, and function of the arteriovenous fistula. Angioplasty currently is the best procedure for the treatment of immature and dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas. In this review, the authors discuss the optimum time to evaluate arteriovenous fistulas for maturity, methods of evaluation for maturity, and the role of angioplasty in salvaging immature arteriovenous fistulas. The review also discusses the effect of stenosis on dysfunction in mature arteriovenous fistulas and the role of angioplasty to treat this complication. Finally, the impact of cutting balloons and drug-eluting balloons in the treatment of resistant and recurrent stenosis, respectively, is also discussed.

Transjugular Access for Endovascular Treatment of Immature Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistulae

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility and outcome of transjugular access for endovascular treatment of immature arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between August 2013 and January 2016, 90 patients (mean age, 64.5 y ± 12.8) underwent endovascular treatment of immature AVFs via transjugular access. The mean age of fistulae was 3.3 months ± 1.8. Total procedure time and technical and clinical success rates of endovascular procedures were assessed. Primary and secondary patency rates were calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

All patients had inflow lesions, among which 19 (21.1%) had occlusions. The juxtaanastomotic segment was the most common site (44.3%). Transjugular access was successful in 83 patients (92.2%), and 7 required additional standard or transarterial access. The mean procedure time was 36.5 minutes. Technical and clinical success rates were 98.9% and 90.5%, respectively. Mean primary and secondary patency durations were 14.3 months ± 1.7 and 31.0 months ± 0.7, respectively. Primary patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 84.4%, 67.3%, and 48.8%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6 and 18 months were 98.6% and 95.5%, respectively. Venous rupture occurred as a result of balloon inflation in 9 patients (10%), and was managed by balloon tamponade. There were no complications related to transjugular access during a mean follow-up period of 12.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Transjugular access for angioplasty of immature AVFs is feasible and safe. Potential problems associated with access in the outflow vein could be avoided by transjugular access.

Arteriovenous fistula in dialysis patients: Factors implicated in early and late AVF maturation failure

Increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the demand for on haemodialysis (HD) is rising. Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) remain the best conduit for adequate HD, with fewer complications associated with long-term use compared to bypass grafts and central venous catheters. However, it is known that many newly formed fistulae do not mature to provide useful HD access. The paper provides a narrative overview of factors influencing the process of AVF maturation failure.

Predicting Factors for Successful Maturation of Autogenous Haemodialysis Fistulas After Salvage Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Study on Follow-Up Doppler Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Maturation failure of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (aAVF) has been increasing after surgical procedures and the salvage percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (sPTA) for immature aAVF has been identified as an effective treatment modality.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting successful aAVF maturation and to determine positive technical aspects of sPTA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiological images of 59 patients who had undergone sPTA for non-maturing aAVFs. We analysed images from pre-surgical mapping Doppler ultrasonography, angiography, and angioplasty and follow-up Doppler ultrasonography performed within two weeks after sPTA. We assessed the following factors, for their ability to predict successful aAVF maturation: 1) patient factors (age; sex; co-morbidities; and aAVF age, side and type); 2) vessel factors (cephalic vein diameter and depth, presence of accessory veins, and pre- and postoperative radial artery disease); 3) lesion factors (stenosis number, location and severity); and 4) technical factors (presence of residual stenosis and anatomic success ratio (ASR) on follow-up Doppler ultrasonography).

RESULTS

The technical and clinical success rates were both 94.9% (56/59); the mean ASR was 0.84. An ASR of ≥ 0.7 and no significant residual stenosis (< 30%) (both P < 0.001) on two-week follow-up Doppler ultrasonography predicted successful aAVF maturation.

CONCLUSION

For more precise prediction of successful aAVF maturation after sPTA, short-term follow-up Doppler ultrasonography (< 2 weeks) was useful. If the ASR was < 0.7 or if residual stenosis was ≥ 30%, immediate repeat sPTA is recommended.

Establishment of a rat autogenous arteriovenous fistula model following 5/6 nephrectomy

The aim of this study was to establish a stable rat model of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with chronic renal function insufficiency. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=20) and sham surgery group (n=20) and a 5/6 nephrectomy model was established in the rats. One week later, in the experimental group, the ipsilateral caroid artery was inserted into the external jugular vein by a cuff technique to establish a carotid arteriovenous fistula; in the sham group, the external jugular vein and carotid artery were dissociated. At 7 and 28 days following the establishment of the AVF, the renal functions of the two groups were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and double collagen and elastin staining were conducted to evaluate the area of intimal hyperplasia in the external jugular vein, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin in the vein was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in the experimental group at each time-point were significantly higher than those in the sham surgery group (P<0.05). The intimal hyperplasia of the external jugular vein of the experimental group was increased significantly compared with that in the sham group at each time-point (P<0.05). The model, which is easy to establish and simple to master, provides a new and feasible experimental method for the study of intimal hyperplasia associated with autogenous AVF in chronic renal insufficiency, and is worthy of wider use.

Effectiveness of collateral vein embolization for salvage of immature native arteriovenous fistulas

PURPOSE

To investigate the value of collateral vein embolization (CVE) as a salvage treatment for nonmaturing native arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) in patients requiring hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49 patients undergoing CVE (N = 65) for immature native AVFs at a single institution were reviewed. The study included 42 patients treated by 56 embolizations. Average fistula age at time of intervention was 18.2 weeks. Each patient underwent angiographic evaluation for fistula immaturity, with clinical success defined by initiation of single-session hemodialysis through the native fistula.

RESULTS

Fistula maturity was achieved in 32 of 42 patients (76.2%). No major complications occurred. Average time from CVE to fistula maturity was 38.4 days. Angioplasty done with CVE was found in a statistically higher percentage of patients with fistula success versus failure (31.3% vs 8.3%; P = .039). Radiocephalic fistulae were seen in a higher percentage of fistula failures compared with successes, but the results were not statistically significant (83.3% vs 59.4%; P = .054). Thirty-four patients underwent CVE without angioplasty, which resulted in successful fistula maturation in 22 cases (64.7%). Radiocephalic fistulae were again seen in a higher percentage of fistula failures compared with successes, but the findings did not meet statistical significance (81.8% vs 54.5%; P = .052).

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization of competing collateral vessels as a salvage treatment for nonfunctioning autologous AVFs is a viable treatment option in the majority of patients. Patients with radiocephalic fistulae may be at higher risk for primary fistula failure, but the present data are inconclusive.