Preoperative noninvasive artery flow volume and maturation of arteriovenous fistulae: A single surgeon's experience from 403 cases

Abstract

Background: Preoperative Doppler ultrasound evaluation of arteriovenous fistula inflow artery includes measurements of arterial diameter and flow volume. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of flow volume to arteriovenous fistula maturation rate.

Study design: Review of consecutive patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula creation by a single surgeon. Cases with available preoperative arterial diameter and flow volume were analyzed. Primary end point was arteriovenous fistula failure to mature. Information collected included demographics, Doppler ultrasound reports, level of inflow artery, operative reports, and outcomes to the time of arteriovenous fistula maturation or failure. Risk factors were identified by logistic regression analysis. Outcomes were compared by odds ratio.

Results: Four hundred and three cases were identified. Arterial diameter and flow volume were both independent significant risk factors affecting arteriovenous fistula maturation rate (p = 0.001). Arterial diameter of <2.5 mm and flow volume of <20 mL/min predicted failure to mature with 95% specificity. Further comparison of cases with optimal arterial diameter but flow volume of <20 mL/min showed increased failure to mature rate compared to the combination of optimal arterial diameter with optimal flow volume (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Preoperative arterial diameter and flow volume values were both significant independent variables affecting arteriovenous fistula maturation rate. However, flow volume of <20 mL/min remained a significant risk factor to failure-to-mature rate, despite optimal arterial diameter.

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula; arterial volume flow; arteriovenous access; fistula maturation; hemodialysis; preoperative noninvasive testing for fistula creation.