The effect of the vein dilatation via intraluminal hydrostatic pressure to the patency of the arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: For hemodialysis patients, the presence of a well performing arteriovenous fistula is indispensable. Arteriovenous fistula maturation is a difficult process and the main cause of failure in the maturation process is insufficient dilatability of the vein. To ensure a proper vein expansion, cephalic vein dilation through intraluminal hydrostatic pressure during surgery can be a useful technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dilation provided by pressurized saline fluid applied to the vein during the surgery for formation of autologous arteriovenous fistula to the patency and complications. METHODS: A total of 416 patients with AVF were included in the study and examined retrospectively. The two groups were composed as; groups 1, vein dilation with Intraluminal hydrostatic pressure was applied, and group 2; vein dilation with Intraluminal hydrostatic pressure was not applied. RESULTS: The study result repsented that the patency rate of Group 2 was higher than Group 1 at one month follow-up (P<0.004). Complication rates were similar in both groups (p=0.458). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion; despite the vein dilatation via intraluminal hydrostatic pressure during the surgery is a very simple technique, the study results suggest that it is an effective and safe method in early stage patency of AVF.

Keywords

• hemodialysis
• arteriovenous fistula
• intraluminal hydrostatic pressure