Predictors of patency after balloon angioplasty in hemodialysis fistulas: a systematic review

Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an established treatment for dysfunctional hemodialysis fistulas. This article systematically reviews evidence for predictors of patency after PTA. Outcomes assessed were primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency after intervention, and findings were summarized descriptively. This review included 11 nonrandomized observational studies of 965 fistulas in 939 patients. Follow-up ranged from 0 days to 10 years. Study quality was overall suboptimal. Newer fistulas and longer lesion length may be associated with primary patency loss after PTA. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, to identify potentially modifiable factors, and to guide the testing of new endovascular devices.