Arteriovenous fistula in dialysis patients: Factors implicated in early and late AVF maturation failure

Abstract

Increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the demand for on haemodialysis (HD) is rising. Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) remain the best conduit for adequate HD, with fewer complications associated with long-term use compared to bypass grafts and central venous catheters. However, it is known that many newly formed fistulae do not mature to provide useful HD access. The paper provides a narrative overview of factors influencing the process of AVF maturation failure.

Keywords: AVF; AVF failure; AVF non-maturation; Access survival; Arteriovenous fistula; Brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula; Dialysis; Dialysis access; End stage renal disease; Far-Infra Red; Fistula maturation; Primary AVF patency.