Arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis

Abstract

Primary arteriovenous fistulae remain the gold standard for hemodialysis access. The radiocephalic or Brescia-Cimino fistula is the autologous fistula of choice, with a primary success rate of nearly 93% and a 1-year patency rate of up to 82%. Alternative arteriovenous fistulae include the snuff box fistula and a brachiobasilic fistula with a 1-year patency rate of up to 90%. Complications include thrombosis, infection, arterial steal syndrome, venous hypertension, aneurysms, and congestive heart failure. Despite these complications, arteriovenous fistulae provide good long-term hemodialysis access.