Open AccessImmature hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas: What should we aim for?
Author(s) -
Rui Silva,
Hugo Diniz,
Miguel Relvas,
José Silvano,
Ana Malheiro,
Luís Coentrão
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
revista portuguesa de nefrologia e hipertensão
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2183-1289
pISSN - 0872-0169
DOI - 10.32932/pjnh.2021.07.130
Subject(s) - medicine , arteriovenous fistula , vascular access , hemodialysis , stenosis , radiology , surgery , intensive care medicine
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the first-choice vascular access for most HD patients. Up to 60% of AVFs do not mature adequately, mostly due to stenosis. Surgical and endovascular techniques can rescue up to 80% of these AVFs from primary failure, allowing them to be safely and effectively used in HD, preserving venous capital, and avoiding placement of CVCs and associated complications. This article reviews and summarizes the existing literature, offering a practical approach on early identification, treatment, and monitoring of immature AVFs.