References and Abstracts

Allon M, Robbin ML: Increasing arteriovenous fistulas in hemodialysis patients: problems and solutions. Kidney Int 2002 Oct;62(4):1109-24

Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, S. THT 647, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. mallon@nrtc.uab.edu

National guidelines promote increasing the prevalence of fistula use among hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of fistulas among hemodialysis patients reflects both national, regional, and local practice differences as well as patient-specific demographic and clinical factors. Increasing fistula prevalence requires increasing fistula placement, improving maturation of new fistulas, and enhancing long-term patency of mature fistulas for dialysis. Whether a patient receives a fistula depends on several factors: timing of referral for dialysis and vascular access, type of fistula placed, patient demographics, preference of the nephrologist, surgeon, and dialysis nurses, and vascular anatomy of the patient. Whether the placed fistula is useable for dialysis depends on additional factors, including adequacy of vessels, surgeon's experience, patient demographics, nursing skills, minimal acceptable dialysis blood flow, and attempts to revise immature fistulas. Whether a mature fistula achieves long-term patency depends on the ability to prevent and correct thrombosis.

An optimal outcome is likely when there is

1. a multidisciplinary team approach to vascular access;
2. consensus about the goals among all interested parties (nephrologists, surgeons, radiologists, dialysis nurses, and patients);
3. early referral for placement of vascular access;
4. restriction of vascular access procedures to surgeons with demonstrable interest and experience;
5. routine, preoperative mapping of the patient's arteries and veins;
6. close, ongoing communication among the involved parties; and
7. prospective tracking of outcomes with continuous quality assessment. Implementing these measures is likely to increase the prevalence of fistulas in any given dialysis unit. However, differences among dialysis units are likely to persist because of differences in gender, race, and co-morbidity mix of the patients.

1. CQI review of vascular access

Allon M, Bailey R, Ballard R, Deierhoi MH, Hamrick K, Oser K, Rhyne VK, Robbins ML, Saddekni S, Zeigler ST: A multidisciplinary approach to hemodialysis access: prospective evaluation. Kidney Int 1998 Feb; 53(2):473-9
Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. mallon@nrtc.dom.uab.edu

Dialysis access procedures and complications represent a major cause of morbidity, hospitalization and cost for chronic dialysis patients. To improve outcomes and reduce the cost of hemodialysis access procedures we developed a multidisciplinary approach, involving nephrologists, access surgeons, and radiologists. A full-time dialysis access coordinator scheduled all access procedures with the surgeons and radiologists, and tracked outcomes. A computerized database was developed for prospective documentation of procedures and complications. Confidential, detailed analyses and recommendations for improvements were provided periodically to the surgeons and radiologists. The major changes arising from the multidisciplinary approach were as follows:

1. The approach to clotted grafts evolved from an inpatient surgical procedure to an outpatient radiologic procedure. The immediate technical success rate of graft declots increased from 48% to 69%.
2. Elective placement of arteriovenous (A-V) grafts evolved from a three-day inpatient hospitalization to a largely outpatient procedure. The proportion of A-V grafts placed as same day surgery or outpatient surgery increased from 16% to 81%.
3. Surgical complications of new A-V graft surgery decreased from 25% to 11%.
4. Aggressive detection and correction of graft stenosis decreased the incidence of graft thrombosis by 60%, from 0.70 to 0.28 events per patient-year.
5. The proportion of native A-V fistula construction in new dialysis patients increased from 33% to 69%. In conclusion, an integrated multidisciplinary approach markedly reduced surgical complications of access surgery and decreased access failures. These improvements occurred despite a marked decrease in hospitalization for access procedures, with a substantial cost saving.
    

Dinwiddie LC: Investing in the lifeline: the value of a vascular access coordinator. Nephrol News Issues 2003 May:49-53 Abstract not available.
PMID: 12778617 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Duda CR, Spergel LM, Holland J, Tucker CT, Bander SJ, Bosch JP: How a multidisciplinary vascular access care program enables implementation of the DOQI guidelines. Part I. Nephrol News Issues 2000 Apr;14(5):13-7
Dialysis Management Medical Group, San Francisco, Calif., USA.

This comprehensive, proactive, multidisciplinary team approach to access management has enabled the achievement of center-specific best-demonstrated clinical practices for vascular access care. It has also resulted in significant cost savings to the health care delivery process. It has not been an easy task; if it were, access care outcomes would be better nationally than they are today. The VACP approach to vascular access care improvement employs four key implementation principles that ensure the success of Gambro's program and form the infrastructure supporting any successful team approach to care. These core processes, known as the four "C's, include: 1. Commitment, 2. Continuous Quality Improvement, 3. Core Competency, and 4. Communication.
PMID: 11111535 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Duda CR, Spergel LM, Holland J, Tucker CT, Bander SJ, Bosch JP: Lessons learned. Implementing a vascular access quality improvement program. Part II. Nephrol News Issues. 2000 May;14(6):29-32,37
Dialysis Management Medical Group, San Francisco, Calif., USA.

Implementing a CQI program for vascular access can seem an overwhelming task. It encompasses many areas that are not in the nephrologists' or dialysis facilities' control. However, involving the right multidisciplinary team members in the process and aligning the goals and objectives creates an environment conducive to success. Ongoing communication is critical. Everyone needs to be a part of the change process.
PMID: 11249456 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

2. Timely Referral to Nephrologist

Gibson KD, Capt MT, Kohler TR, Hatsukami TS, Gillen DL, Aldassy M, Sherrard DJ, Stehman-Breen CO. Assessment of a policy to reduce placement of prosthetic hemodialysis access. Kidney Int 2001 Jun;59(6):2335-45.
Department of Surgery (Vascular), University of Washington School of Medicine, and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington 98195-6410, USA. gibsonk@u.washington.edu

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants of access patency and revision, including the effects of reducing the placement of prosthetic hemodialysis access. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all hemodialysis accesses placed at the Veteran's Administration Puget Sound Health Care System between 1992 and 1999 was conducted. A policy was instituted in 1996 that maximized the use of autogenous hemodialysis access. The impacts of the policy change, demographics, and comorbid factors on access type and patency, were examined. Primary and secondary patency rates were examined using the Kaplan--Meier method, and factors associated with failure and revision were examined using Cox proportional hazard models and Poisson regression. RESULTS: During the study, 104 accesses (61 prosthetic grafts and 43 autogenous fistulas) were placed prior to 1996, and 118 (31 prosthetic grafts and 87 autogenous fistulas) were placed after 1996. There was a significant increase in autogenous fistulas placed after 1996 (87 out of 118) compared with before 1996 (43 out of 104, P < 0.001). At one year, autogenous fistulas demonstrated superior primary patency (56 vs. 36%, P = 0.001) and secondary patency (72 vs. 58%, P = 0.003) compared with prosthetic grafts. After adjustment for age, race, side of access placement, and history of prior access placement, patients with a prosthetic graft were estimated to experience a 78% increase in the risk of primary access failure when compared with similar patients having an autogenous access [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.78, 95% CI 1.21--2.62, P = 0.003)]. Similarly, the adjusted relative risk of secondary access failure for comparing prosthetic grafts with autogenous fistulas was estimated to be 2.21 (95% CI 1.38--3.54, P = 0.001). The adjusted risk of access revision was 2.89-fold higher for prosthetic grafts than for autogenous fistulas (95% CI 1.88--4.44, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Autogenous conduits demonstrated superior performance when compared with prosthetic grafts in terms of primary and secondary patency and number of revisions. A policy emphasizing the preferential placement of autogenous fistulas over prosthetic grafts may result in improved patency and a reduction in the number of procedures required to maintain dialysis access patency.
PMID: 11380838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Huber TS, Ozaki CK, Flynn TC, Lee WA, Berceli SA, Hirneise CM, Carlton LM, Carter JW, Ross EA, Seeger JM. Prospective validation of an algorithm to maximize native arteriovenous fistulae for chronic hemodialysis access. J Vasc Surg 2002 Sep;36(3):452-9.
Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate an algorithm to maximize native arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) for hemodialysis access. METHODS: The prospective study design was set in an academic, tertiary care medical center. The study subjects were adults referred for permanent, upper extremity hemodialysis access between April 1999 and May 2001. Intervention included Doppler arterial pressures/waveforms and duplex imaging of the basilic, cephalic, and central veins. The optimal configuration for an AVF was determined (criteria: vein >3 mm, no arterial inflow stenosis, no venous outflow stenosis) on the basis of the noninvasive studies, and unilateral arteriography/venography was performed to confirm the choice. Permanent hemodialysis access was created on the basis of the imaging studies, and remedial imaging/intervention was performed if the AVF failed to mature. Outcome measures included impact of the noninvasive/invasive imaging, perioperative morbidity/mortality, incidence of successful AVF, time to cannulation, and predictors of AVF failure with multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 139 new access procedures was performed in 131 patients (age, 53 +/- 16 years; male, 51%; white, 60%; diabetic, 49%; actively undergoing dialysis, 50%; prior permanent access, 26%). The noninvasive imaging showed that 83% of the patients were candidates for AVF, with a mean of 2.7 +/- 2.1 possible configurations. Invasive imaging was abnormal in 38% (forearm arterial disease > central vein stenosis > inflow stenosis) and impacted the operative plan in 19%. AVF were performed in 90% of the cases (brachiobasilic > brachiocephalic > radiocephalic > radiobasilic), with prosthetic AVF performed primarily because of inadequate veins. Among the patients who underwent AVF, the 30-day mortality rate was 1%, the complication rate was 20% (wound, 10%; hand ischemia, 8%), and 24% needed a remedial procedure. The AVF matured sufficiently for cannulation in 84% of those with sufficient follow-up and was suitable for cannulation by 3.4 +/- 1.8 months. On the basis of an intention to treat approach, an AVF sufficient for cannulation developed in 71% of the 139 cases referred for access. The multivariate analysis predicted that female gender (odds ratio, 9.7; 95% CI, 2.2 to 43.5) and the radiocephalic configuration (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 18.6) were both independent predictors of failure of the fistula to mature. CONCLUSION: With the aggressive algorithm, the construction of native AVF is possible in the overwhelming majority of patients presenting for new hemodialysis access.
PMID: 12218966 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

3. Early referral to surgeon for "AVF only" evaluation and timely placement.

Allon M, Lockhart ME, Lilly RZ, Gallichio MJ, Young CJ, Barker J, Deierhoi MH, Robbin ML: Effect of preoperative sonographic mapping on vascular access outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int 60(2001):2013-2020
Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard S., THT 647, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. mallon@nrtc.uab.edu

BACKGROUND: Current DOQI guidelines encourage placing arteriovenous (AV) fistulas in more hemodialysis patients. However, many new fistulas fail to mature sufficiently to be usable for hemodialysis. Preoperative vascular mapping to identify suitable vessels may improve vascular access outcomes. The present study prospectively evaluated the effect of routine preoperative vascular mapping on the type of vascular accesses placed and their outcomes. METHODS: During a 17-month period, preoperative sonographic evaluation of the upper extremity arteries and veins was obtained routinely. The surgeons used the information obtained to plan the vascular access procedure. The types of access placed, their initial adequacy for dialysis, and their long-term outcomes were compared to institutional historical controls placed on the basis of physical examination alone. RESULTS: The proportion of fistulas placed increased from 34% during the historical control period to 64% with preoperative vascular mapping (P < 0.001). When all fistulas were assessed, the initial adequacy rate for dialysis increased mildly from 46 to 54% (P = 0.34). For the subset of forearm fistulas, the initial adequacy increased substantially from 34 to 54% (P = 0.06); the greatest improvement occurred among women (from 7 to 36%, P = 0.06) and diabetic patients (from 21 to 50%, P = 0.055). In contrast, the initial adequacy rate of upper arm fistulas was not improved by preoperative vascular mapping (59 vs. 56%, P = 0.75). Primary access failure was higher for fistulas than grafts (46.4 vs. 20.6%, P = 0.001), but the subsequent long-term failure rate was higher for grafts than fistulas (P < 0.05). Moreover, grafts required a threefold higher intervention rate (1.67 vs. 0.57 per year, P < 0.001) to maintain their patency. The overall effect of this strategy was to double the proportion of patients dialyzing with a fistula in our population from 16 to 34% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine preoperative vascular mapping results in a marked increase in placement of AV fistulas, as well as an improvement in the adequacy of forearm fistulas for dialysis. This approach resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of patients dialyzing with a fistula in our patient population. Fistulas have a higher primary failure rate than grafts, but have a lower subsequent failure rate and require fewer procedures to maintain their long-term patency.
PMID: 11703621 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Beathard GA. Strategy for maximizing the use of arteriovenous fistulae. Seminars in Dialysis 2000 Sep-Oct;13(5):291-296
gerald@beathard.com

Increasing the use of arteriovenous fistulae in dialysis patients requires a specific strategy. In order to properly select patients for an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), it is essential that the nephrologist become knowledgeable about the subject and that an organized approach be followed. Both the arterial and venous systems must be evaluated. Evaluation of medical history, general physical examination, specific physical examination related to the vasculature of the extremity, vein mapping and duplex ultrasound studies are all important. It is very important to assess the size of the vessels involved. Although a newly created AVF should be allowed to fully mature prior to use, failure to develop should be evaluated early. Many cases of early failure can be successfully salvaged. Even if the patient has an arteriovenous graft, they should be evaluated at the time of every graft failure for the possibilities of creating a secondary AVF.
PMID: 11014690 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Brimble KS, Rabbat CG, Schiff D, Ingram AJ. The clinical utility of Doppler ultrasound prior to arteriovenous fistula creation. Seminars in Dialysis 2002 Sep-Oct;14(5):314-317.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred access for long-term hemodialysis, with superior long-term patency rates; however, early failure rates are significant. Recent evidence has brought into question the preferred site of AVF creation in many patient groups. A preoperative test that could reliably predict the outcome of a proposed AVF would be of great benefit. Doppler ultrasound has been the most extensively studied and widely used test to guide access creation. Accurate and validated measurements of internal vessel diameter, both arterial and venous, and blood flow in the upper extremity are obtainable by Doppler ultrasound. Studies evaluating the utility of Doppler ultrasound prior to AVF creation suggest that vessel size and blood flow are predictive of AVF outcome. An AVF created using a cephalic vein and/or radial artery smaller than 1.5-2.0 mm is likely to fail; such preoperative data may indicate that an upper arm AVF should be the primary access attempted. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the utility of Doppler ultrasound.
PMID: 11679094 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Caplin N, Sedlacek MD, Teodorescu V, Falk A, Uribarri J. Venous access: women are equal. Am J Kidney Dis 2003 Feb;41(2):429-432.
Departments of Medicine, Surgery, and Radiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. ninacaplin@aol.com

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are the preferred method of vascular access for hemodialysis patients; however, the current rate of AVF placement is only 25% to 30% in the United States. This prevalence is even smaller among women and attributed to their perceived inadequate vasculature. This commonly held view that women have less adequate vasculature for AVF placement than men has not been shown objectively in the literature. METHODS: To determine a difference in vasculature between the sexes, we retrospectively analyzed data on preoperative vascular mapping in 192 patients. During a 2-year period, vascular mapping of the upper extremities was routinely performed using duplex ultrasound in all patients requiring vascular access in our institution. RESULTS: One hundred six of these 192 patients were women, and 86 were men. There was no significant difference in vein size between men and women at any of the sites measured. A total of 87 fistulae were placed in 140 patients, 49% in women and 51% in men (P = 0.16). Prevalences of AVFs were 57% and 68% (P = 0.2) in women and men, respectively. Percentages of fistulae used at the initiation of hemodialysis therapy were 72% in women and 77% in men (P = 0.57). CONCLUSION: These data support the view that women have adequate vasculature for the placement of AVFs compared with men. We cannot explain the different outcomes found in other studies; however, we suggest that the differences are caused by physician practice patterns, not anatomic differences between men and women. Copyright 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
PMID: 12552506 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Dalman RL, Harris EJ Jr, Victor BJ, Coogan SM. Transition to all-autogenous hemodialysis access: the role of preoperative vein mapping. Ann Vasc Surg 2002 Sep;16(5):624-30.
Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. rld@stanford.edu

Safe, reliable, and efficient hemodialysis access (DA) remains an unrealized ideal. Autogenous dialysis access (ADA) may improve outcome for renal failure patients. We now place ADA in 9 out of 10 new patients in an effort to maximize primary patency and minimize access-related complications. We reviewed our recent DA experience to determine whether our increased reliance on autogenous access (ADA) has improved outcomes, and to evaluate the impact of preoperative duplex venous imaging (vein mapping) on early and intermediate results. We conducted a retrospective database review of 108 consecutive patients undergoing initial permanent DA between 10/97 and 8/01. Mean follow-up was 13.1 months. Our results showed that increased ADA utilization decreases the need for secondary access procedures. The functional superiority of ADA vs. prosthetic dialysis access (PDA) in this series may be due to optimal autogenous conduit selection facilitated by preoperative vein mapping.
PMID: 12203002 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Robbin ML, Gallichio MH, Deierhoi MH, Young CJ, Weber TM, Allon M. US vascular mapping before hemodialysis access placement. Radiology 2000. Oct;217(1):83-8
Departments of Radiology, Surgery and Nephrology, University of Alabama Hospital at Birmingham, 619 19th St, South, JTN358, Birmingham, AL 35249-6830, USA. mrobbin@uabmc.edu

PURPOSE: To prospectively assess the effect of preoperative ultrasonographic (US) mapping on surgical selection, placement of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and grafts, and negative surgical exploration rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US assessment of the upper extremity arterial and venous anatomy was performed in 70 patients with chronic renal failure before surgical evaluation. The surgeon documented the planned access procedure, which was based on physical examination results, and then reviewed the US preoperative mapping report. The surgical procedure and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two of the 70 patients who underwent mapping had vascular access placement. Preoperative US mapping resulted in a change in the planned surgical procedure in 16 (31%) of the 52 patients. An AVF rather than the planned graft was placed in eight (15%) patients. The AVF placement rate increased from 32% (126 of 395 patients) to 58% (30 of 52 patients). Unsuccessful surgical explorations decreased from 11% (28 of 256) to 0%. CONCLUSION: Preoperative US mapping before hemodialysis access placement can result in a change in surgical management, with an increased number of AVFs placed and an improved likelihood of selecting the most functional vessels preoperatively. Further study is needed to determine longer-term outcomes.
PMID: 11012427 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Silva MB Jr., Hobson RW 2nd, Pappas PJ, Jamil Z, Araki CT, Goldberg MC, Gwertzman G, Padberg FT Jr. A strategy for increasing use of autogenous hemodialysis access procedures: Impact of preoperative noninvasive evaluation. J Vasc Surg 1998 Feb;27:302-8.
Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2714, USA.

PURPOSE: We studied the efficacy of preoperative noninvasive assessment of the upper extremity to identify arteries and veins suitable for hemodialysis access to increase our use of autogenous fistulas (AF). METHODS: From Sep. 1, 1994, to Apr. 1, 1997, 172 patients who required chronic hemodialysis underwent segmental upper extremity Doppler pressures and duplex ultrasound with mapping of arteries and veins. The following criteria were necessary for satisfactory arterial inflow: absence of a pressure gradient between arms, patent palmar arch, and arterial lumen diameter 2.0 mm or more. The criteria necessary for satisfactory venous outflow were venous luminal diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 mm for AF and greater than or equal to 4.0 mm for synthetic bridging grafts (BG) and continuity with distal superficial veins in the arm. Intraoperative and duplex ultrasound measurements were compared. Contemporary experience was compared with the 2-year period (1992 to 1994) before implementation of the protocol. RESULTS: During the period from Sep. 1, 1994, to Apr. 1, 1997, 108 patients (63%) had AF, 52 (30%) had prosthetic BG, and 12 (7%) had permanent catheters (PC) placed. Early failure was seen in 8.3% of AFs. Primary cumulative patency rates were 83% for AF and 74% for BG at 1 year (p < 0.05), with a mean clinical follow-up of 15.2 months. No postoperative infections were observed with AF, whereas six infections (12%) were observed with BG and two (17%) with PC insertion. During the period from June 1, 1992, to Aug. 31, 1994, 183 procedures were performed with a distribution of 14% AF, 62% BG, and 24% PC. In this earlier period the AF early failure rate was 36%, and the patency rates were 48%, 63%, and 48% for AF, BG, and PC, respectively (mean follow-up, 13.8 months). CONCLUSION: A protocol of noninvasive assessment increased use of AFs. The cumulative patency rate of AFs was improved, and early failure rates were reduced when compared with the preceding institutional experience. Routine noninvasive assessment is recommended to document adequacy of arterial inflow and delineate venous outflow to maximize opportunities for AF.
PMID: 9510284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Vassalotti JA, Falk A, Cohl ED, Uribarri J, Teodorescu V. Obese and non-obese hemodialysis patients have a similar prevalence of functioning arteriovenous fistula using pre-operative vein mapping. Clin Nephrol 2002 Sep;58(3): 211-4.
Division of Nephrology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA. Joseph.Vassalotti@mssm.edu

AIMS: The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred hemodialysis access. Subset analyses of both the HEMO and DOPPS studies have shown that obese hemodialysis patients have a lower prevalence of functioning AVF. Doppler ultrasound may increase the prevalence of functioning AVF in obese subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The effect of pre-operative vein mapping employed between 10/01/98 and 12/08/00 on the prevalence of functioning AVF in a single university hemodialysis program was studied. Preoperative ultrasound was performed to study venous and arterial systems on both arms. RESULTS: There were 50 obese patients, defined as bodymass index (BMI) > or = 27 kg/m2, and 130 patients with a lower BMI. The groups were similar in mean age and diabetes prevalence. The obese group had statistically significantly more females 34/50 versus 61/130 with p = 0.01. There was no statistically significant difference between the vein mapping parameters studied in the two BMI groups, including mean mid-forearm cephalic vein diameter, distal radial artery peak systolic velocity and subclavian vein patency. No obese patient required venography. There was no significant difference between the number of functioning AVF in both groups (22/50 obese, 48/130 lower BMI, p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative vein mapping is associated with a similar prevalence of functioning AVF in obese and lower BMI patients. Pre-operative ultrasound screening is a useful tool to promote AVF placement in obese patients
PMID: 12356190 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

4. Cannulation training for AV fistulas

Brouwer DJ, Peterson P: The arteriovenous graft: how to use it effectively in the dialysis unit. Neph News Issues 2002 Nov;41-49
Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.
No Abstract Available
PMID: 12452109 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Peterson P. Fistula cannulation: the buttonhole technique. Neph Nursing J 2002 Apr;29(2):195.
Medisystems Corporation, Seattle, WA, USA.
No Abstract Available
PMID: 11997955 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Rayner HC, Pisoni RL, Gillespie BW, Goodkin DA, Akiba T, Akizawa T, Saito A, Young EW, Port FK. Creation, cannulation and survival of arteriovenous fistulae: Data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Kidney Int 2003 Jan;63(1):323-330
Department of Renal Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom; University Renal Research and Education Association, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, USA; Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, and Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan; and Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Creation, cannulation and survival of arteriovenous fistulae: Data from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. BACKGROUND: An arteriovenous (A-V) fistula is the optimal vascular access for hemodialysis. The National Kidney Foundation Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) recommends that fistulae should mature for at least one month before cannulation, but this recommendation is not evidence-based. If fistulae are created prior to ESRD and cannulation is possible earlier without compromising fistula survival, the need for temporary catheters would be reduced. METHODS: Prospective observational data were analyzed for a random sample (N = 3674) of incident patients at the time of initiating hemodialysis, hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration in 309 facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, taking part in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). RESULTS: Although the proportion of patients who had pre-dialysis care by a nephrologist differed little between countries, there were large variations in the proportion of patients who commenced hemodialysis via an A-V fistula, A-V graft or central venous catheter. The usual time interval between referral and creation of A-V fistulae also differed greatly between countries. For new hemodialysis (HD) patients initiating HD with an A-V fistula (N = 894) the following results were observed: (1) median time to first cannulation varied greatly between countries: Japan and Italy (25 and 27 days), Germany (42 days), Spain and France (80 and 86 days), UK and US (96 and 98 days). (2) No association was found between cannulation </=28 days versus>28 days for patient characteristics of age, gender, and fifteen different classes of patient co-morbid factors. (3) Risk of A-V fistula failure was increased for incident patients who had a prior temporary access [relative risk (RR) = 1.81, P = 0.01] or who were female (RR = 1.52, P = 0.02). (4) Cannulation </=14 days after creation was associated with a 2.1-fold increased risk of subsequent fistula failure (P = 0.006) compared to fistulae cannulated>14 days. (5) No significant difference in A-V fistula failure was seen for fistulae cannulated in 15 to 28 days compared with 43 to 84 days. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in clinical practice currently exist between countries regarding the creation of A-V fistulae prior to starting hemodialysis and the timing of initial cannulation. Cannulation within 14 days of creation is associated with reduced long-term fistula survival. Fistulae ideally should be left to mature for at least 14 days before first cannulation.
PMID: 12472799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
 

5. Select surgeons based on best outcomes and greatest willingness to provide access services.

Bender MH, Bruyninckx CM, Gerlag PG: The Gracz arteriovenous fistula evaluated. Results of the brachiocephalic elbow fistula in haemodialysis angio-access. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 1995 Oct;10(3):294-7
Department of Surgery, Sint Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES: To assess fistula patency and complication rates in braciocephalic elbow fistulas of both the Gracz and the side-to-side configuration. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Life table patency and complications of 50 Gracz fistulas and 23 side-to-side elbow fistulas created between 1988 and 1993 were reviewed. RESULTS: The cumulative patency for the elbow fistulas was 84% after 1 year and 78% after 3 years. No difference was found between the Gracz fistula and the side-to-side elbow fistula. Stenosis was the most frequent indication for revision and thrombosis was the most frequent cause of fistula failure. CONCLUSION: The elbow fistula has a long patency with few complications and performs as well as wrist fistulas and better than the graft fistulas reported in the literature. The Gracz elbow fistula has results as good as the side-to-side elbow fistula. Graft fistulas should be reserved for tertiary procedures only.
PMID: 7552527 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Bender MH, Bruyninckx CM, Gerlag PG: The brachiocephalic elbow fistula: A useful alternative angioaccess for permanent hemodialysis. J Vasc Surg 1995 Aug;22(2):195-96.
Department of Surgery, St. Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands.

PURPOSE: Wrist fistulas are increasingly difficult to establish in the aging hemodialysis population. We assessed fistula patency and occlusion rate in elbow fistulas compared with wrist and graft fistulas. METHODS: We analyzed all 104 fistulas created in all 68 patients who underwent hemodialysis during October 1993 at the St. Joseph General Teaching Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. Life-table patency and complications were analyzed for 31 elbow fistulas, 56 wrist fistulas, and 17 polytetrafluoroethylene or saphenous vein graft fistulas. RESULTS: The patency rate for elbow fistulas was 93% at 1 year and 80% at 3 years. Wrist fistulas had a patency rate of 76% at 1 year and 65% at 3 years. Graft fistulas had a poorer patency rate: 69% at 1 year and 62% at 3 years. There were significantly more failures in the wrist fistulas (p < 0.02). Thrombosis accounted for most fistula failures. Venous stenosis was the most frequent indication for revision. The high incidence of concomitant diseases was not related to fistula outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The elbow fistula performed better than the wrist fistula. Liberal use of the elbow fistula is justified, especially when the epifascial veins or the radial artery at the wrist is in poor condition. Graft fistulas should be reserved for tertiary procedures.
PMID: 7966817 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Butterworth PC, Doughman TM, Wheatley TJ, Nicholson ML. Arteriovenous fistula using transposed vasilic vein. Br J Surg 1998 Dec;85(12):1721-2.
Br J Surg. 1998 Dec;85(12):1721-2.

University Department of Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, UK.

BACKGROUND: Patients who need long-term haemodialysis often require multiple operations to maintain their vascular access. The options for secondary or tertiary access procedures may become increasingly limited. Prosthetic conduits are commonly used in difficult cases but are associated with a high incidence of complications. METHODS: The brachial artery-transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistula has been used in preference to a prosthetic graft on 31 occasions. RESULTS: There were no technical failures and 28 of these fistulas matured. No major infective complications occurred. CONCLUSION: This procedure should be considered before resorting to a prosthetic graft for vascular access.
PMID: 9635814 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Dagher FJ. The upper arm AV hemoaccess: long-term follow-up. J Cardiovasc Surgery 1086 Jul-Aug;27(4):447-9.

The technique of the upper arm fistula using the end of the transposed basilic vein to the side of the brachial artery is reviewed. The functional patency rate at eight years is 70 percent. Complications associated with this angioaccess are minimal and easily managed. Its advantages include: the ease of the techniques, utilization of the patient's own transposed autologous vein, maintaining venous anatomic continuity with the axillary vein, thus avoiding a veno-venous anastomosis and a long superficially located access with excellent flow and with long functional patency rate.
PMID: 3722248 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Dixon BS, Novak L, Fangman J: Hemodialysis vascular access survival: Upper-arm native arteriovenous fistula. Am J Kidney Dis 2002 Jan;39(1):92-101
Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242-1081, USA. bradley-dixon@uiowa.edu

Achieving Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines for native arteriovenous fistulae using the radiocephalic forearm fistula (lower-arm fistula [LAF]) is difficult. This study reports results using the upper-arm native arteriovenous fistula (UAF). From a prospective access database (1992 to 1998), this study was based on 204 patients (322 accesses). Average patient age was 56 +/- 1 years, 63% were men, and 47% had diabetes. A native fistula was the first access in 73% of patients (36%, LAFs; 37%, UAFs) and accounted for 48% of subsequent accesses (13%, LAFs; 35%, UAFs). Younger men were more likely to receive an LAF, but there was no demographic difference between patients receiving a UAF or arteriovenous graft (AVG). Both primary unassisted and cumulative access patencies were significantly better for UAFs than either LAFs or AVGs. For first accesses, cumulative access patency rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 71%, 57%, and 57% for UAFs; 54%, 46%, and 36% for LAFs; and 54%, 28%, and 0% for AVGs (P < 0.01). Despite shorter access survival, AVGs required more total access procedures than either UAFs or LAFs (procedures per access: 2.5, 1.0, and 0.6 for AVGs, UAFs, and LAFs, respectively). When used, catheters were required for dialysis for a longer time for UAFs (median catheter days, 36, 53, and 56 for AVGs, LAFs, and UAFs, respectively; P < 0.05). Access flow rates were greater in UAFs (1,247 mL/min; n = 48; P < 0.01) than AVGs (851 mL/min; n = 30) or LAFs (938 mL/min; n = 31). There was no evidence that UAFs were banded or ligated for steal syndromes or heart failure more often than AVGs or LAFs. These results show that the UAF is a good alternative to an AVG for achieving Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. Copyright 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc
PMID: 11774107 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Oliver MJ, McCann RL, Indridason OS, Butterly DW, Schwab SJ. Comparison of transposed brachiobasilic fistulas to upper arm grafts and brachiocephalic fistulas. Kidney Int 2001;60:1532-1539.
Division of Nephrology, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. matthew.olivier@swchsc.on.ca

BACKGROUND: Renewed interest in transposed brachiobasilic fistulas has occurred since the release of the National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-DOQI) guidelines because it is an alternative method to achieve an upper arm fistula in patients who cannot achieve a functional brachiocephalic fistula. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes among transposed brachiobasilic fistulas, upper arm grafts, and brachiocephalic fistulas. METHODS: A cohort of patients with upper arm accesses was retrospectively identified. Access outcomes were determined from medical records and contact with physicians, dialysis providers, and patients. Primary outcome was thrombosis-free survival. Secondary outcomes were primary failure, time to use, risk of catheter-related bacteremia, need for intervention, incidence of access-related complications, cumulative, and functional patency. Group differences in age, sex, race, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and number of previous accesses were adjusted for in the analysis where appropriate. RESULTS: Transposed brachiobasilic fistulas, upper arm grafts, and brachiocephalic fistulas were compared in 59, 82, and 56 patients, respectively. Compared with transposed brachiobasilic fistulas, upper arm grafts were more likely to thrombose with an adjusted relative risk (RR) of 2.6 (95% CI, 1.3 to 5.3) excluding primary failures and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.7) when accounting for the lower risk of primary failure for grafts. Transposed brachiobasilic fistulas also required less intervention (0.7 vs. 2.4 per access-year, P < 0.01) and were less likely to become infected (0 vs. 13%, P < 0.05) than grafts. Mature brachiocephalic fistulas were less likely to fail (RR 0.3, 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.0) and showed a trend for less thrombosis (RR 0.3, 0.1 to 1.1) than mature brachiobasilic fistulas. There was no significant difference in cumulative patency (failure-free survival) among the three types of access if primary failure was included at the median follow-up of 594 days. Transposed brachiobasilic fistulas provided catheter-free access one month sooner than brachiocephalic fistulas and one month later than upper arm grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Transposed brachiobasilic fistulas provide cumulative patency equivalent to upper arm grafts and brachiocephalic fistulas. They are less likely to thrombose and become infected than upper arm grafts. Compared with brachiocephalic fistula, they are more likely to mature but are at increased risk of thrombosis after maturation. Transposed brachiobasilic fistulas should be considered before placing an upper arm graft for patients that cannot achieve a functional brachiocephalic fistula.
PMID: 11576369 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Silva MBJr, Hobson RW 2nd, Pappas PJ, Haser PB, Araki CT, Goldberg MC, Jamil Z, Padberg FT Jr. Vein Transposition in the forearm for autogenous hemodialysis access. J Vasc Surg 2002 Dec;26(6):981-8
Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2714, USA.

PURPOSE: We describe a technique of superficial venous transposition in the forearm used for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis access. These modifications of the single-incision radiocephalic fistula are designed to increase options for arteriovenous fistulas by using veins and arteries that are suitable for use but are not in immediate proximity. METHODS: Arteries and veins suitable for a primary arteriovenous fistula were identified and mapped using duplex ultrasound in 89 patients. Separate incisions were used in the majority of cases, and the selected forearm vein was mobilized, angiodilated, and transposed into a subcutaneous tunnel on the volar aspect of the forearm. Before initiation of hemodialysis, duplex ultrasound scanning was performed, and the location that was most suitable for cannulation was identified. Repeat scans were performed at 3-month intervals for analysis of patency. RESULTS: Superficial venous transpositions were performed using a single incision in 13 instances in which the vein was in immediate proximity to the radial artery (type A). Dorsal-to-volar forearm transposition (type B) was performed in 30 veins with anastomoses to the radial (n = 26), ulnar (n = 2), or brachial (n = 2) arteries. Volar-to-volar forearm transposition (type C) was performed in the remaining 46 veins, with anastomoses to the radial (n = 42), ulnar (n = 2), or brachial arteries (n = 2). Successful hemodialysis was accomplished in 81 of 89 patients (91%). The primary cumulative patency rate was 84% at 1 year and 69% at 2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The use of superficial venous transposition for the formation of autogenous hemoaccess was associated with ease of cannulation by dialysis personnel, high maturation rates, reduced early failure rates, and enhanced patency rates. We recommended the use of these technical modifications to increase the use of autogenous fistulas in the forearm.
PMID: 9423713 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

6. Place secondary AVF in AV graft patients where indicated


7. Place AVF in catheter patients where indicated
 

8. Perform monitoring and surveillance to ensure adequate access function

Besarab A, Lubkowski T, Frinak S. Ramanathan S, Escobar F: Detecting vascular access dysfunction. ASAIO J 1997 Sep-Oct;43(5):M539-43
Department of Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Access flow (QACC) is a major determinant of patency. Access recirculation (AR > 2%), normalized venous intra-access pressure (vPIA/MAP), and QACC are used to detect access dysfunction. We compared these three measures of access function (ultrasound dilution to measure AR and QACC). A total of 779 measurements were performed on 58 arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and 114 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts (1-8/access) over 13 months, and the access parameters at the beginning of each period were related to access events within that period. Pump blood flow averaged > 420 ml/min. AR occurred uncommonly (3.8%), and in half the cases, resulted from technical error by staff. In accesses that thrombosed or underwent intervention for stenosis, AR was present in only 3 of 11 AVFs and 8 of 57 PTFE accesses. When AR was present in grafts, QACC averaged 270 +/- 23, and access thrombosis followed unless intervention occurred. In grafts, vPIA/MAP averaged 0.34 +/- 0.01 in those remaining patent, 0.52 +/- 0.08 in those that had undergone intervention, and 0.54 +/- 0.04 in those that had thrombosed. QACC averaged 1,121 +/- 26, 605 +/- 45, and 550 +/- 65 ml/min, respectively, in the three groups. By contrast, QACC differed significantly in patent AVFs (1,053 +/- 35) compared with failing AVFs (363 +/- 48), but vPIA/MAP did not. AR is thus a late manifestation of access failure. QACC is the best diagnostic test of access dysfunction in AVFs. Interpretation of vPIA/MAP in grafts is enhanced by periodic QACC measurements.
PMID: 9360101 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Beathard GA. Physical examination of the dialysis vascular access. Seminars in Dialysis 1998 Jul-Aug;11(4):231-236.
 

Dinwiddie LC. Interventions to promote fistula maturation. Neph Nursing J 2002 Aug;29(4):377, 402.
University of North Carolina School of Medicine, USA.
No Abstract Available
PMID: 12224373 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

Hingorani A, Ascher E, Kallakuri S, Greenberg S, Khanimov Y. Impact of reintervention for failing upper extremity arteriovenous autogenous access for hemodialysis. J Vasc Surg 2001 Dec;34:1004-9
Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11219, USA.

PURPOSE: Although large published series have described their experience with the management of failed or failing prosthetic arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis, there are scant data regarding failing arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs). To analyze the management of nonfunctioning or nonmaturing AVFs, we reviewed our experience with salvage procedures for these AVFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 474 AVFs placed at our institution in 380 patients between June 1997 and March 2001, 75 revisions were performed in 46 patients (49 AVFs). Ages of these patients ranged from 29 to 94 years (mean, 68 +/- 1.4 years). Diabetic patients comprised 51%, and hypertensive patients comprised 75%. Twenty patients underwent 26 vein patch angioplasties, and 17 patients underwent 24 balloon angioplasties. Four patients required four vein interpositions, and 12 patients underwent 12 revisions of the fistula to a more proximal level. Extended salvage procedures consisted of four turn-downs to the basilic vein for proximal cephalic vein thrombosis or stenosis and five extension bypasses to the axillary or jugular vein for subclavian vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 1 to 31 months (mean, 10 months). The patients who underwent open revisions tended to need fewer subsequent procedures. However, primary patency of the vein patch angioplasty was not significantly better as compared with balloon angioplasty (P = .8) by life table analysis. Patency after revision of a radial cephalic fistula and brachial cephalic fistula were not statistically different. One interposition failed during the follow-up, and one revision to a more proximal level thrombosed during the follow-up. Two of the turn-down procedures had thrombosed at 2 and 11 months. The remaining two turn-down procedures have remained functional at 1 and 24 months. One of the extensions thrombosed at 8 months whereas the other four have remained functional at 1, 6, and 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited follow-up data, this review suggests that simple and extended salvage procedures may allow maturation and add to the life span of AVFs for hemodialysis. In addition, these data suggest an advantage for open techniques as compared with percutaneous techniques but only in terms of requiring fewer subsequent procedures.
PMID: 11743552 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

McCarley P, Wingard RL, Shyr Y, Pettus W, Hakim RM, Ikizler TA. Vascular access blood flow monitoring reduces access morbidity and costs. Kidney Int 2001 Sep;60(3):1164-72)
Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access morbidity results in suboptimal patient outcomes and costs more than $8000 per patient-year at risk, representing approximately 15% of total Medicare expenditures for ESRD patients annually. In recent years, the rate of access thrombosis has improved following the advent of vascular access blood flow monitoring (VABFM) programs to identify and treat stenosis prior to thrombosis. To define further both the clinical and financial impact of such programs, we used the ultrasound dilution method to study the effects of VABFM on thrombosis-related morbid events and associated costs, compared with both dynamic venous pressure monitoring (DVPM) and no monitoring (NM) in arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and grafts. METHODS: A total of 132 chronic hemodialysis patients were followed prospectively for three consecutive study phases (I, 11 months of NM; II, 12 months of DVPM; III, 10 months of VABFM). All vascular access-related information (thrombosis rate, hospitalization, angiogram, angioplasty, access surgery, thrombectomy, catheter placement, missed treatments) was collected during the three study periods. RESULTS: During the three study phases, graft thrombosis rate was reduced from 0.71 (phase I), to 0.67 (phase II), to 0.16 (phase III) events per patient-year at risk (P < 0.001 phase III vs. phases I and II). Similarly, hospital days, missed treatments, and catheter use related to thrombotic events were significantly reduced during phase III compared to phases I and II. Hospital days related to vascular access morbidity and adjusted for patient-year at risk were 1.8, 1.6, and 0.4 and missed dialysis treatments were 0.98, 0.86, and 0.26 treatments per patient-year at risk for phases I, II, and III, respectively (P < 0.001 for phase III vs. phases I and II). Catheter use was also significantly reduced during phases II and III, from 0.29 (phase I) to 0.17 and further to 0.07 catheters per patient-year at risk, respectively (P < 0.05 for phase III vs. phase I). Percutaneous angioplasty procedures increased during phases II and III from 0.09 to 0.32 to 0.54 procedures per patient-year at risk for phases I, II, and III, respectively (P < 0.01 for phase III vs. phase I). When the total cost of treatment for thrombosis-related events for grafts was estimated, it was found that during phase III, the adjusted yearly billed amount was reduced by 49% versus phase I and 54% versus phase II to $158,550. Similar trends in reduced thrombosis-related morbid events and cost were observed for AVFs. CONCLUSIONS: VABFM for early detection of vascular access malfunction coupled with preventive intervention reduces thrombosis rates in both polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts and native AVFs. While there was a significant increase in the number of angioplasties done during the flow monitoring phase, the comprehensive cost is markedly reduced due to the decreased number of hospitalizations, catheters placed, missed treatments, and surgical interventions. Vascular access blood flow monitoring along with preventive interventions should be the standard of care in chronic hemodialysis patients.
PMID: 11532113 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
 

9. Use outcomes feedback to guide practice

Spuhler CL, Schwarze KD, Sands JJ, Increasing AV fistula creation: the Akron experience. Nephrol News Issues, May 2002, 44-49
Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), Akron, Ohio, USA.
No Abstract Available
PMID: 12035626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10. Education for Caregivers and Patients

11. Outcomes Feedback to Guide Practice