Strategies for the Creation and Maintenance of Reconstructed Arteriovenous Fistulas Using the Forearm Basilic Vein

INTRODUCTION The global increase of chronic renal failure has resulted in a growing number of patients on haemodialysis using arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). By virtue of their very function, AVFs at times shunt blood away from regions distally, resulting in an ischaemic steal syndrome. Distal revascularisation with interval ligation (DRIL) has been described as a procedure to treat symptomatic ischaemic steal. We present our experience in the management of this complication. PATIENTS AND METHODS Six patients with severe ischaemic steal were treated using a DRIL procedure between May 2004 and June 2007. There were three males and three females, all with elbow brachiocephalic AVFs. Symptoms ranged from severe rest pain to digital gangrene. Published results from international studies of 135 DRIL procedures were also reviewed. RESULTS Vascular access was maintained along with the elimination of ischaemic symptoms in the six patients using an ipsilateral reversed basilic vein graft. Interval ligation of the distal brachial artery was performed at the same time. All patients showed immediate and sustained clinical improvement of symptoms with a demonstrable increase in digital pulse oximetry. CONCLUSIONS DRIL is a beneficial treatment option that has proven successful at alleviating ischemic steal symptoms and preserving vascular access. This avoids placement of central lines, its associated risks, and the need to create an alternative sited fistula.

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Analysis of 855 Upper Extremity Fistulas Created Using a Standard Protocol: The Role of Graft Extension to Achieve Functional Status

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/000313481307900625 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 79 (6) ◽

pp. 625-629

Author(s):

Bassan J. Allan ◽

Enrique R. Perez ◽

Marwan Tabbara

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Chronic Hemodialysis ◽

Standard Protocol ◽

Hemodialysis Access ◽

Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽

Excellent Method ◽

The Creation ◽

National Programs ◽

Current Guidelines

The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI) has been one of the most important national programs to help achieve considerable improvements in the care of patients on chronic hemodialysis. FFBI has helped place guidelines to push practitioners to reduce the use of tunneled central venous catheters and to increase the rate of arteriovenous fistula use in patients requiring chronic hemodialysis access. However, despite current guidelines, no specific protocols exist for the creation and management of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas and outcomes at most centers are below national benchmarks. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of a standard protocol used at our institution for the creation of autogenous upper extremity fistulas for hemodialysis access in achieving early cannulation and early removal of tunneled dialysis catheters. Our review encompasses 855 consecutive autogenous fistulas created over a 10-year period. Our findings suggest that the use of a standard protocol for creation and management of autogenous fistulas can help increase the rate of functional accesses over national benchmarks. Additionally, extension/conversion of malfunctioning fistulas to grafts appears to be an excellent method to expedite removal of a tunneled dialysis catheter with concomitant preservation of a fistula.

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Comparing Outcomes of Upper Extremity Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistulas and Arteriovenous Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Journal of Vascular Access ◽

10.1177/1129729820970789 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112972982097078

Author(s):

David J. Haddad ◽

Venkata Sai Jasty ◽

Babu Mohan ◽

Chiu-Hsieh Hsu ◽

Chyi Chyi Chong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Upper Extremity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Primary Patency ◽

Secondary Patency ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Hemodialysis Access ◽

Basilic Vein ◽

Arteriovenous Fistulas ◽

Arteriovenous Grafts

Objective: It is unclear what the optimal upper extremity hemodialysis access is for patients without a suitable cephalic vein for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes for upper extremity transposed brachiobasilic AVFs (BBAVFs) and prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify all English publications and abstracts comparing the patency outcomes of upper extremity BBAVFs and AVGs (January 1st, 1994 to April 1st, 2020). The outcomes assessed were 1-year and 2-year primary and secondary patency rates. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using the random-effects model, and I2 statistic was used to assess between-study variability. Results: Twenty-three studies examining 2799 patients were identified and included in the study. The 1-year primary patency rates (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.28, p = 0.001, I2 = 69.40%) and 2-year primary patency rates (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.59–3.43, p < 0.001, I2 = 68.26%) were significantly better for BBAVFs than AVGs. Compared to AVGs, the 1-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.05–1.98, p = 0.022, I2 = 56.64%) and 2-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.39–2.68, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.61%) were also significantly higher for BBAVFs. Conclusion: The outcomes for upper extremity BBAVFs appear to be consistently superior to prosthetic hemodialysis access. This analysis supports the preferential placement of BBAVFs over AVGs in patients with a suitable upper extremity basilic vein.

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