1
|
Liu S, Wang Y, He X, Wang Y, Li X. Factors affecting suboptimal maturation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula in elderly patients with diabetes:A narrative review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35766. [PMID: 39170451 PMCID: PMC11337043 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the preferred vascular access choice for individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and is widely utilized in China, as reported by the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Despite its popularity, the significant incidence of poor AVF maturation often leads to the need for central venous catheter insertion, increasing the risk of complications like superior vena cava stenosis and catheter-related infections, which in turn raises the overall mortality risk. With the prevalence of diabetes rising globally among the elderly and diabetic kidney disease being a leading cause of end-stage renal disease necessitating renal replacement therapy, our retrospective review aims to explore the various factors affecting AVF maturation in this specific patient population. While there have been numerous studies examining AVF complications in MHD patients, including issues like failure, patency loss, stenosis, thrombosis, poor maturation, and other influencing factors, there remains a gap in large-scale clinical studies focusing on the incidence and risk factors for immature AVF specifically in elderly diabetic patients. This paper delves into the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and unique considerations surrounding AVF maturation in elderly diabetic patients, distinguishing them from the general population. Our literature review reveals that elderly diabetic patients exhibit a higher risk of AVF immaturity compared to the general population. Additionally, there exists a continuing discourse regarding several aspects related to this group, including the choice of dialysis access, timing of AVF surgery, and surgical site selection. Furthermore, we delve into the management strategies for vascular access within this specific group with the goal of providing evidence-based guidance for the establishment and maintenance of functional vascular access in elderly diabetic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Liu
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- Graduate School of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaojie He
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Baoding No 1 Central Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meng L, Zhang T, Ho P. Effect of exercises on the maturation of newly created arteriovenous fistulas over distal and proximal upper limb: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Vasc Access 2024; 25:40-50. [PMID: 35633081 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of our review were: (i) to evaluate the effect of post-operative upper extremity exercise on maturation of AVFs, stratified by their locations. (ii) To evaluate the effect of pre-operative arm exercise on patients' superficial vein caliber of patients. Literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible articles. The quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0. In the Meta-analysis, Risk ratios (RRs) of clinical maturation and ultrasonographic maturation were pooled from studies focused on post-operative exercise program; Mean difference (MD) of venous caliver was pooled from those studied pre-operative exercise. Nine studies (six for post-operative exercise; three for pre-operative exercise) were included in the review. Among the AVFs created in distal region (158 patients in exercise group and 144 patients in control group), there was a significantly superior clinical maturation (RR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48, p = 0.001; I2 = 0), and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07-1.59, p = 0.009; I2 = 0) in the exercise group in comparison to the control group. For the AVFs created in proximal region (93 and 96 patients in exercise group and control group respectively), there is no significant difference in clinical maturation (RR:1.25, 95% CI: 0.88-1.78, p = 0.27, I2 = 74%) and ultrasonographic maturation (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.97-1.40, p = 0.11, I2 = 43%) between the exercise group and controls. For pre-operative exercise, the mean difference of 0.34 mm (95% CI: 0.23-0.46, p < 0.001, I2 = 87% ) was found for vein size. In conclusion, existing upper extremity exercise programs appear to be useful in facilitating maturation of AVFs created in distal region, while its effect on fistulas created in proximal region is less certain. However, more robust trials are warranted to establish these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Meng
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tiying Zhang
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pei Ho
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ribeiro HS, Duarte MP, Andrade FP, Sousa MR, Baiao VM, Monteiro JS, Ferreira AP. Exercise guide to help on arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance. J Vasc Access 2024; 25:318-322. [PMID: 36120915 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221103797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The arteriovenous fistula is the main vascular access in hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula access is generally evaluated by a vascular surgeon after 2 weeks of its surgery, however, exercise programs may begin earlier for improving outcomes. Therefore, we propose this guide with simple, but potentially effective exercises, using low-cost materials that can be safely performed by the patients at home or in the dialysis center. It also provides to the dialysis staff team a starting point for implementing an upper-limb exercise program that may facilitate arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance. METHODS This exercise routine for arteriovenous fistula maturation can be performed three to four times a day, every day, from 2 to 4 weeks. After its maturation, it can be performed on every non-dialysis day for conventional treatment and every other day, before dialysis, for short daily treatment. CONCLUSIONS Based on the available evidence, we have gathered some exercises, in a very easy and understandable language, that may potentially help arteriovenous fistula maturation and maintenance for hemodialysis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heitor S Ribeiro
- Interdisciplinary Research Department, University Center ICESP, Brasília, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Marvery P Duarte
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Francini P Andrade
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
- Ciências Pneumológicas Post-Graduation Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Victor M Baiao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Aparecido P Ferreira
- Interdisciplinary Research Department, University Center ICESP, Brasília, Brazil
- Santa Úrsula University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Chen H, Jing W, Pu L, Wu Z, Su X, Chen H, Liu J, Yu H, Hu X. The clinical topography of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: A prospective and longitudinal observational study based on ultrasound scans every two days. Thromb Res 2023; 229:232-242. [PMID: 37572590 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To delineate the clinical topography of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related thrombosis in cancer patients. BACKGROUND Most of the clinical features of PICC-related thrombosis are based on a single follow-up, which is insufficient to reflect the full topography of a thrombosis. DESIGN This is an observational study conducted at West China Hospital, according to the STROBE guidelines. METHODS Cancer patients scheduled for PICC placement were potentially eligible; patients with contraindications to PICC placement or existing diseases affecting blood flow were excluded; and those who later withdrew or did not reply to our contact request during the follow-up period were eliminated from this study. Ultrasound was used to detect thrombosis from the insertion site, proximal insertion site, axillary vein to the subclavian vein once every two days for two weeks post insertion. The thrombosis and its involved venous segments, onset time and symptoms and signs were recorded. RESULTS Among the 173 included patients, 126 (72.8 %) were identified as having thrombosis. Specifically, 113 and 126 patients were identified as having thrombosis within the first three days and the first week post insertion, respectively. In the 126 patients, thrombosis occurred at the insertion site (72.8 %) concurrently with thrombosis at the proximal insertion site (n = 120, 69.4 %), thrombosis in the axillary vein (n = 94, 54.3 %), and/or thrombosis in the subclavian vein (n = 41, 23.7 %). The log-rank test demonstrated that thrombosis in these four venous segments decreased significantly from the distal to the proximal central vein (log-rank test = 117.128, P < .001). Of 31 patients (17.9 %) who presented symptomatic thrombosis, only five patients experienced obvious swelling in the upper arm, and the other 26 patients exhibited atypical symptoms, such as soreness, tightness, numbness, tingling, or other discomforts in the palm, arm, armpit, and/or shoulder. In some thrombotic cases, ultrasonic assessment of PICC-related thrombosis did not parallel clinical symptoms and signs. CONCLUSION PICC-related thrombosis is common and can occur very early post insertion in cancer patients, and most thromboses present atypical symptoms. More than half of the cases with thrombosis evaluated involve multiple venous segments, and the farther the venous segments are from the central vein, the higher the incidence of thrombosis tend to be and the earlier the onset time are. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The results highlight the importance that medical staff pay particular attention to patients with catheters in the first week post insertion and be alert to thrombosis presenting atypical symptoms while keeping in mind that clinical symptoms and signs are not reliable for diagnosing thrombosis. CLINICAL REGESTRATION Clinical Trials ChiCTR1900024890.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Zhang
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China; West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China; Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Hongxiu Chen
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China; Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Wenli Jing
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Lihui Pu
- Menzies Health Institute & School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, PO Box 4111, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Zhoupeng Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Xiaotian Su
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Huirong Chen
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Juan Liu
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Huaqin Yu
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Xiuying Hu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PO Box 610041, No.37 Guo Xue Street, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen JW, Fu HY, Hii IH, Tseng HW, Chang PY, Chang CH, Chen YS, Hsu RB, Wu IH, Chen YM, Chu TS, Hung KY, Lin SL, Wu KD, Chan CY. A Randomized Trial of Postoperative Handgrip Exercises for Fistula Maturation in Patients With Newly Created Wrist Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulas. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:566-574. [PMID: 36938082 PMCID: PMC10014374 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to substantiate the benefit of postoperative handgrip exercises (HGEs) in enhancing the maturation of an arteriovenous wrist fistula. Methods We randomly assigned 119 patients aged 20 to 80 years who had wrist arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) to undergo either a basic HGE program (group A), an advanced program (group B), or an advanced-plus upper arm banding program (group C). Outcomes were assessed by ultrasonographic evaluation of the diameter and flow at each follow-up. The attending nephrologist decided the clinical use of the fistula. Results We identified no significant differences among the HGE groups in the mean diameter and blood flow 14, 30, 60, and 90 days after the creation of the wrist AVF (P = 0.55, 0.88, 0.21, and 0.19 for the diameter; 0.94, 0.81, 0.49, and 0.56 for the flow, respectively). The intent-to-treat analysis also found no difference in the clinical use of fistulas for hemodialysis (HD) (P = 0.997). Conclusion In patients with a newly created wrist AVF, advancing frequency, with or without adding intensity using an upper arm tourniquet, of postoperative HGEs did not enhance the growth of the fistula or increase the rate of clinical use over 3 months. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03077815).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Wei Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsun-Yi Fu
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Heng Hii
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Wei Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ya Chang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Sharng Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ron-Bin Hsu
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Hui Wu
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Chen
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shinn Chu
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yu Hung
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuei-Liong Lin
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kwan-Dun Wu
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Chan
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Chih-Yang Chan, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Zhongshan South Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nantakool S, Reanpang T, Prasannarong M, Pongtam S, Rerkasem K. Upper limb exercise for arteriovenous fistula maturation in people requiring permanent haemodialysis access. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 10:CD013327. [PMID: 36184076 PMCID: PMC9527110 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013327.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The failure of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) to mature is a major problem in patients with kidney failure who require haemodialysis (HD). Preoperative planning is an important factor in increasing functional AVF. Upper limb exercise has been recommended to gain AVF maturation. Studies of pre- and post-operative upper limb exercises in patients with kidney failure patients have been reported; however, the optimal program for this population is unknown due to inconsistent results among these programs. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine if upper limb exercise would be beneficial for AVF maturation (prior to and post AVF creation) in patients with kidney failure and to improve AVF outcomes. This review also aimed to identify adverse events related to upper limb exercise. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 15 March 2022 through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov, and other resources (e.g. reference list, contacting relevant individuals, and grey literature). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, comparing upper limb exercise training programs with no intervention or other control programs before or after AVF creation in patients with kidney failure. Outcome measures included time to mature, ultrasound and clinical maturation, venous diameter, blood flow in the inflow artery, dialysis efficacy indicator, vascular access function (functional AVF), vascular access complications, and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Study selection and data extraction were taken by four independent authors. Bias assessment and quality assessment were undertaken independently by two authors. The effect estimate was analysed using risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous data, or mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) for continuous data. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. MAIN RESULTS Nine studies (579 participants) were included, and seven studies (519 participants) conducting post-operative exercise training could be meta-analysed. Three comparisons were undertaken: (i) isotonic exercise training versus no intervention; (ii) isometric versus isotonic exercise training; and (iii) isotonic (high volume) versus isotonic exercise training (low volume). Due to insufficient data, we could not analyse pre-operative exercise training. Overall, the risk of bias was low for selection and reporting bias, high for performance and attrition bias, and unclear for detection bias. Compared to no intervention, isotonic exercise training may make little or no difference to ultrasound maturation (2 studies, 263 participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.25; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence), but may improve clinical maturation (2 studies, 263 participants: RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence). Compared to isotonic exercise training, isometric exercise training may improve both ultrasound maturation (3 studies, 160 participants: RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.00; I² = 22%; low certainty evidence) and clinical maturation (3 studies, 160 participants: RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.76; I² = 53%; low certainty evidence). Venous diameter (3 studies, 160 participants: MD 0.84 mm, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.23; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence) and blood flow in the inflow artery (3 studies, 160 participants: MD 140.62 mL/min, 95% CI 38.72 to 242.52; I² = 0%; low certainty evidence) may be greater with isometric exercise training. It is uncertain whether isometric exercise training reduces vascular access complications (2 studies, 110 participants: RR 2.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 17.08; I² = 47%; very low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether high volume isotonic exercise training improves venous diameter (2 studies, 93 participants: MD 0.19 mm, 95% CI -0.75 to 1.13; I² = 34%; very low certainty evidence) or blood flow in the inflow artery (1 study, 15 participants: MD -287.70 mL/min, 95% CI -625.99 to 60.59; very low certainty evidence) compared to low volume isotonic exercise training. None of the included studies reported time to mature, dialysis efficacy indicator, vascular access function, or adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the current research evidence examining upper limb exercise programs is of low quality, attributable to variability in the type of interventions used and the overall low number of studies and participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sothida Nantakool
- Environmental - Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Group, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Termpong Reanpang
- Clinical Surgical Research Center, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Mujalin Prasannarong
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sasinat Pongtam
- Environmental - Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Group, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kittipan Rerkasem
- Environmental - Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Group, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Clinical Surgical Research Center, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arteriovenous Fistula Formation with Adjuvant Endovascular Maturation. J Vasc Surg 2021; 75:641-650.e2. [PMID: 34506894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.08.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The clinical utility of the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is limited by a prolonged time to maturation, low overall maturation rate, and subsequent abandonment. Endovascular intervention is increasingly accepted as first line therapy to treat AVF stenosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate AVF formation outcomes when early endovascular intervention was selectively performed to bring about timely AVF maturation. METHODS A retrospective study (February 2014- February 2020) was performed on 82 AVF consecutive patients (mean age 62.5±13.5 (17-83); 58 male (70.7%)) with end-stage renal failure who had Vascular Access (VA) construction at a single institution. Four year AVF patency, vascular diameters, haemodialysis parameters, re-intervention rate, and mortality were analysed. RESULTS Radiocephalic AVF was the most common fistula constructed (71 patients; 88.6%). Post formation evaluation (46.2+/-56.0 days (5-343)) revealed 33 (40.2%) immature AVFs. Subsequently, 19 patients underwent endovascular procedures consisting of angioplasty/stenting of the juxta-anastomosis, cannulation and/or outflow segments to bring about timely maturation of the AVF. Hence 93.9% of AVFs had reached functional patency (maturation) by 6 months post formation, with a mean time to maturation of 67.8 +/- 65.9 (5-320) days. After reaching maturation, Primary Access Functional Patency was 82 +/- 4.3 % at 6 months, 58+/- 5.5% at 12 months and 34 +/- 6.8% at 48 months. Primary Assisted Access Functional Patency was 95 +/- 2.4% at 6 months, 90 +/-3.3 % at 12 months and 83 % +/- 4.7 % at 48 months. 121 endovascular interventions were performed to maintain patency, equating to an endovascular reintervention rate of .37 procedures/patient year. Mean arterial, venous and brachial flow rates did not change significantly after maturation with a mean fistula (primary assisted functional patency) survival time of 5.9 +/- 0.26 (5.33- 6.36) years from maturation. Only 12 thromboses occurred after the first post formation follow up review, which were all salvaged using endovascular techniques leading to 100% Total secondary functional patency at 4 years. 5 year estimated all-cause mortality was 45.6 +/-12.7%. CONCLUSION Arteriovenous fistula maturation rate and time to maturation can be improved when early endovascular intervention is selectively performed post formation. This allows for near universal maturation where, once matured, the use of ongoing endovascular re-intervention allows for a low re-intervention rate and long term patency providing for reliable long term renal vascular access.
Collapse
|