Arteriovenous fistula creation in a patient without a pulse: Vascular access in patients with left ventricular assist devices

Native Arteriovenous Fistula Creation in Patients With Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Case Report and a Narrative Review

Worsening of kidney function after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is common, and many patients reaching end-stage kidney disease require long-term dialysis. Permanent vascular access in a patient with LVAD remains a clinical dilemma. There is a theoretical concern about the maturation of the arteriovenous fistula in a patient with LVAD due to the absence of a pulsatile flow in these patients. We described a case of successful creation of a left brachial-cephalic AVF in a patient with continuous flow LVAD (Abbott's HeartMate 3TM), which was used for dialysis without issue.

Nephrology Considerations in the Management of Durable and Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support

Durable and temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) use is growing for a range of cardiovascular indications. Kidney dysfunction is common in people evaluated for or receiving durable or temporary MCS and portends worse outcomes. This kidney dysfunction can be due to preexisting kidney chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI) related to acute cardiovascular disease necessitating MCS, AKI due to cardiac procedures, and acute and chronic MCS effects and complications. Durable MCS, with implantable continuous flow pumps, is used for long-term support in advanced heart failure refractory to guideline-directed medical and device therapy, either permanently or as a bridge to heart transplantation. Temporary MCS-encompassing in this review intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), axial flow pumps, centrifugal flow pumps, and venoarterial ECMO-is used for diverse situations: high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), acute decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and resuscitation after cardiac arrest. The wide adoption of MCS makes it imperative to improve understanding of the effects of MCS on kidney health/function and of kidney health/function on MCS outcomes. The complex structure and functions of the kidney, and the complex health states of individuals receiving MCS, makes investigations in this area challenging, and current knowledge is limited. Fortunately, the increasing nephrology toolbox of noninvasive kidney health/function assessments may enable development and testing of individualized management strategies and therapeutics in the future. We review technology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical considerations, and future directions in MCS and nephrology.