Abstract
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous devices for creation of native arteriovenous fistulae offer an alternative to traditional open surgical techniques. The 4 Fr WavelinQ EndoAVF System was developed as a lower profile alternative to facilitate access through smaller vessels and minimize access site complications; The current report is the original first experience of this device, assessing outcome in 120 patients followed for 6 months.
METHODS
The use of the 4 Fr WavelinQ system in three studies, EASE (32 patients), EASE-2 (24 patients), and the EU post-market clinical follow-up study (64 patients) was aggregated and analyzed. Patients were followed with duplex ultrasound at discharge and follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were evaluated as Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimates and standard errors. Time to maturity and time to successful cannulation were defined as the mean ± SD days from the procedure in patients enrolled on dialysis.
RESULTS
Procedural success was achieved in 116 patients (96.7%). Primary, assisted-primary, and secondary 6-month patency rates were 71.9%±4.5%, 80.7%±4.1%, and 87.8%±3.3%, respectively. Time to maturity averaged 41±17 days. Time to successful cannulation averaged 68±51 days. Device-related serious adverse events were reported in 3/120 patients (2.5%) and procedure-related serious adverse events occurred in 7/120 patients (5.8%). Arterial or venous access complications were not reported in any of the patients. Access circuit reinterventions were performed in 23 patients (19.2%), split between those performed for EndoAVF maturation (13/120, 10.8%) and maintenance (11/120. 9.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Percutaneous creation of native dialysis fistulae with the 4 Fr WavelinQ EndoAVF System is safe and effective, with favorable durability and a low rate of serious complications and reinterventions through 6-month follow-up. Utilization of the 4F device allows for percutaneous fistula creation between the radial artery and radial vein or the ulnar artery and ulnar vein. These findings suggest that the 4 Fr device is a useful percutaneous alternative to open surgical AVF or endovascular AVF with larger-bore devices.
Collapse