Expandability of Cephalic Veins after Brachial Plexus Block in Arteriovenous Fistula Formation for Hemodialysis

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis is essential for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it is difficult to maintain AVF reliably. It is vitally important to select proper blood vessels for AVF formation. In a previous study, a minimum diameter of 3 mm for the autologous vein was proposed. However, patients who did not meet the minimum vascular diameter before anesthesia, but fulfilled other criteria, showed satisfactory venous dilatation after brachial plexus block (BPB). This study investigated the extent of vein expansion by BPB and the surgical outcomes of dilated veins after BPB.