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Sheep Model of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Using Superficial Veins
Author(s) -
Florescu Marius C.,
Foster Kirk W.,
Sacks Andrew R.,
Lof John,
Stolze Elizabeth A.,
Fry Gretchen M.,
Bumgardner Derek P.,
Tysinger Tara,
Kuchta Melanie J.,
Runge Henry J.,
Hadley William B.,
Morris Michael C.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
seminars in dialysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1525-139X
pISSN - 0894-0959
DOI - 10.1111/sdi.12407
Subject(s) - medicine , arteriovenous fistula , hemodialysis , brachial artery , cephalic vein , basilic vein , femoral artery , femoral vein , vein , fistula , animal model , artery , surgery , radiology , blood pressure
Current models of animal arteriovenous fistula ( AVF ) are swine models of femoral vein terminolaterally anastomosed to femoral artery, creating a deep AVF . This feature sets it aside from human AVF s using superficial veins. Our AVF model uses sheep superficial veins to create an AVF almost identical to human model. AVF s were created in six sheep using basilic veins sutured terminolaterally to brachial artery. Presurgery vein and artery diameters were measured. We measured AVF s and feeding arteries blood flows and diameters at 1, 3, and 5 weeks postsurgery. At 5 weeks we performed angiograms, euthanized animals, and harvested AVF s. Four animals completed the study. Three AVF s developed and were patent at 5 weeks; one thrombosed. Animal weight and presurgery vessels diameters predicted AVF s blood flows and diameters. Despite using vessels with diameters smaller than the ones recommended for human AVF , the Fistulas developed. Two animals died before the study conclusion for causes unrelated to surgery. This AVF model is anatomically almost identical to the human AVF and has a good maturation rate. It is a viable model for studying AVF maturation, devices intended to improve AVF maturation, AVF related procedures and can even support hemodialysis needles.