Should All Inflow Stenoses Be Treated in Failing Autogenous Hemodialysis Fistulae?

PurposeTo determine whether angioplasty of inflow stenosis in malfunctioning but patent autogenous hemodialysis fistulae has an impact on postintervention primary patency in patients without a clinical indicator of inflow-related access malfunction.Materials and MethodsMedical records for 76 procedures in 62 patients with inflow stenoses undergoing fistulography in nonthrombosed mature autogenous fistulae without an inflow-related indication of access malfunction over a 5-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Control and treatment arms were defined as patients with untreated (26 procedures in 23 patients) and treated (50 procedures in 39 patients) inflow stenoses, respectively. All patients in both arms of the study had concurrent intrafistula and/or venous outflow stenosis, which were treated successfully with angioplasty. The clinical endpoint was defined as return for a failing or thrombosed access (ie, primary patency). A two-tailed unpaired Student t test was performed to compare primary patency and percent inflow stenosis in treatment (angioplasty) and control (untreated inflow stenoses) groups, with significance defined at P < .05. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in percent inflow stenosis between control and treatment arms (P = .95). There was no significant difference in access patency between the two groups (139 and 124 d for control and treated groups, respectively; P = .95). No procedural complications occurred in either arm of the study.ConclusionsAngioplasty of inflow stenosis in failing autogenous fistulae without an appropriate clinical indicator of an inflow pathologic process does not improve postintervention primary patency.     

Randomized Clinical Trial of Cutting Balloon Angioplasty versus High-Pressure Balloon Angioplasty in Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Stenoses Resistant to Conventional Balloon Angioplasty

PurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) versus high-pressure balloon angioplasty (HPBA) for the treatment of hemodialysis autogenous fistula stenoses resistant to conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).Materials and MethodsIn a prospective, randomized clinical trial involving patients with dysfunctional, stenotic hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), patients were randomized to receive CBA or HPBA if conventional PTA had suboptimal results (ie, residual stenosis > 30%). A total of 516 patients consented to participate in the study from October 2008 to September 2011, 85% of whom (n = 439) had technically successful conventional PTA. The remaining 71 patients (mean age, 60 y; 49 men) with suboptimal PTA results were eventually randomized: 36 to the CBA arm and 35 to the HPBA arm. Primary and secondary target lesion patencies were determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsClinical success rates were 100% in both arms. Primary target lesion patency rates at 6 months were 66.4% and 39.9% for CBA and HPBA, respectively (P = .01). Secondary target lesion patency rates at 6 months were 96.5% for CBA and 80.0% for HPBA (P = .03). There was a single major complication of venous perforation following CBA. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.4%, with one non–procedure-related death in the HPBA group.ConclusionsPrimary and secondary target lesion patency rates of CBA were statistically superior to those of HPBA following suboptimal conventional PTA. For AVF stenoses resistant to conventional PTA, CBA may be a better second-line treatment given its superior patency rates.     

Comparison of cutting balloon versus high-pressure balloon angioplasty for resistant venous stenoses of native hemodialysis fistulas

PURPOSE: To compare the technical success, safety, and patency of cutting balloon angioplasty versus high-pressure balloon angioplasty in the treatment of resistant native hemodialysis fistula stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 1,220 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures performed to treat dysfunctional native hemodialysis fistulas. Seventy patients with stenoses resistant to conventional balloon angioplasty (up to 24 atm) were included in this study: 35 patients underwent cutting balloon angioplasty from September 2003 through February 2005, and 35 patients underwent high-pressure balloon angioplasty from March 2005 through April 2006. Evaluation included technical success, complications, and postintervention patency rates up to 6 months. RESULTS: The technical success rates were similar between the cutting balloon (100%) and high-pressure balloon (97.1%) groups. After cutting balloon angioplasty, the primary lesion patency rates were 100% (35/35), 88.6% (31/35), and 71.4% (25/35) at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. After high-pressure balloon angioplasty, the primary lesion patency rates were 97.1% (34/35), 62.9% (22/35), and 42.9% (15/35) respectively. The primary lesion patency rates at 3 and 6 months were significantly better with cutting balloon angioplasty than with high-pressure balloon angioplasty (P = .018 and .009, respectively). There were no device-related complications in the cutting balloon group. Six device-related extravasations occurred in the high-pressure balloon group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective study suggest that, for resistant stenoses in native hemodialysis fistulas, both high-pressure balloon and cutting balloon angioplasty are effective; however, cutting balloon angioplasty seems to provide more long-standing primary patency at 6-month follow-up.     

Factors influencing technical success and outcome of percutaneous balloon angioplasty in de novo native hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas

Objective

To determine predictors of technical success, dysfunction recurrence and patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of de novo dysfunctional hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of first time PTA of 167 AVF in 162 patients (100 men, 66 ± 13 years). Anatomical (location, length, grade and number of stenoses) and clinical variables (sex, age, prior AVF, diabetes mellitus and AVF age, side and location) were reviewed.

Results

217 stenoses or segmental occlusions were treated. Technical success rate (84.4%) was higher in radiocephalic AVF compared to brachial artery–median vein AVF (p = 0.030) and was negatively correlated with initial stenosis (p = 0.049). Dysfunction recurrence was seen in 52.7% and correlated negatively with technical success (p = 0.013) and AVF age (p = 0.008). Early dysfunction (within 6 months) was negatively correlated with AVF age (p = 0.016) and positively with diabetes (p = 0.003). Higher AVF age resulted in higher primary (p = 0.005) and secondary patency rates (p = 0.037–0.005).

Conclusions

Technical success of PTA in hemodialysis AVF is affected by AVF type and initial stenosis and has significant effect on dysfunction recurrence, but not on AVF longevity. Younger AVF has increased risk for (early) recurrent dysfunction and lower patency rates. Patients with diabetes mellitus have higher risk for early dysfunction.     

Safety and Efficacy of Paclitaxel-Eluting Balloon Angioplasty for Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Access: A randomized trial Comparing with Angioplasty Alone

PurposeTo assess whether angioplasty of hemodialysis access (HA) stenosis with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) would prevent restenosis in comparison with plain-balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).Materials and MethodsThis prospective randomized clinical trial enrolled 120 patients with dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulae (n = 109) and grafts (n = 11), due to a ≥50% stenosis between March 2014 and April 2018. All patients underwent high-pressure balloon angioplasty and were then randomized to either DCB (n = 60) or PTA (n = 60). Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and angiography was performed 6 months after angioplasty. The primary endpoint was the late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included other angiographic parameters at 6 months and HA failures, adverse event, and mortality at 12 months. Continuous variables were compared with a Student t-test, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for freedom from HA failure and for mortality.ResultsLLL in the DCB and in the PTA group were 0.64 mm ± 1.20 and 1.13 mm ± 1.51, respectively (P = .082, adjusted P = .0498). DCB was associated with lower percentage stenosis (54.2% ± 19.3 vs 61.7% ± 18.2; P = .047) and binary restenosis ≥50% (56.5% vs 81.1%; P = .009) than PTA. The number of HA failures after 12 months was lower for DCB than for PTA (45% vs 66.7%; P = .017). Mortality at 12 months was 10% and 8.3% in the DCB and PTA groups, respectively (P = .75).ConclusionsDespite LLL improvement that failed to reach statistical significance, this study demonstrated decreased incidence and severity of restenosis with DCB compared with PTA to treat dysfunctional HA.     

Cutting balloon angioplasty for primary treatment of hemodialysis fistula venous stenoses: preliminary results

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of the cutting balloon as the primary tool in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of hemodialysis access stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of symptomatic patients with stenoses of 50% or more in their hemodialysis accesses was undertaken. Provided that no contraindication to the use of cutting balloons existed, the stenoses were treated with the cutting balloon with use of a maximum of a 1:1.1 ratio between expected vessel diameter and balloon diameter. In cases in which dilation to the full diameter of the cutting balloon left a greater than 30% residual stenosis, postprocedural dilation with conventional balloons was carried out. Patient access function was followed. Twenty-nine patients with 42 stenoses have now reached 6 months of follow-up after cutting balloon angioplasty. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Slight local extravasation occurred in three cases: two had continued pain after the balloon was deflated and were therefore treated with balloon compression with resolution of symptoms and angiographic findings. In two cases, elastic recoil required stent placement to correct the stenosis. At 6 months, 22 patients (76%) remain in the primary patency category. Inclusion of those with primary assisted patency yields 26 patients (90%), and an additional patient had secondary patency, for a total of 93%. Two patients died of causes not directly related to dialysis. CONCLUSION: The high degree of technical and clinical success likely reflects the lack of major complications. The 6-month follow-up results match those of other series. Further follow-up will show whether this technique produces better results over the long term.     

Stent Grafts for Central Venous Occlusive Disease in Patients with Ipsilateral Hemodialysis Access

PurposeTo assess long-term outcomes of stent grafts in patients with symptomatic central venous stenoses and occlusions ipsilateral to hemodialysis grafts or fistulas.Materials and MethodsThe study included 52 of 55 consecutive patients with symptomatic stenoses of the central veins draining upper limb dialysis access grafts or fistulas treated with stent grafts. Indications for stent grafts were poor angioplasty results, rapid recurrence, or total occlusion. Endpoints were lesion patency and access patency following intervention. Mean follow-up was 25 months with a median of 24 months and 1.25 additional procedures per patient year. Patency rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsAll stent grafts were successfully deployed. The lesion patency rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after intervention were 60%, 40%, 28%, and 28%. The access patency rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after intervention were 96%, 94%, 85%, and 72%. There was one major complication and no minor complications. In 40 patients (77%), the internal jugular vein confluence was covered by the stent graft. In five patients, the dialysis circuits became occluded, with no clinical sequelae in four; one patient was lost to follow-up. The contralateral brachiocephalic vein was covered in three patients (6%), preventing contralateral access construction in one patient.ConclusionsCentral vein stent graft placement in patients with hemodialysis access is associated with prolonged access patency. Coverage of major vein confluences, which occurred in 83% of the patients in this series, can compromise future access and should be avoided whenever possible by careful technique.     

Midterm Outcomes of Angioplasty for Pediatric Renovascular Hypertension

PurposeTo evaluate the midterm outcomes of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) for pediatric renovascular hypertension (RVH).Materials and MethodsThe clinical data of patients who underwent PTRA for RVH in the authors’ hospital from 2012 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Postprocedural blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the affected kidney, restenosis, and complications were closely monitored.ResultsPTRA was performed in a total of 30 children (20 boys and 10 girls), with a mean age of 7.3 years ± 0.7 (range, 40 days to 13.9 years) and a mean weight of 25.0 kg ± 2.3 (range, 3.4–53 kg). The median follow-up period was 26.5 months (range, 1 month to 7.5 years). Technical success was achieved in 26 (86.7%) of the 30 patients. Restenosis developed in 3 patients (10.0%). Only 1 patient underwent stent implantation, and the stent fractured 8 months later, requiring further intervention. There were no other complications. In terms of clinical benefit of blood pressure control after the initial PTRA procedure, 15 patients (50%) were cured and 7 patients (23.3%) showed improvement. There was no significant difference in the etiology, lesion location, and lesion length between patients with clinical benefit and failure (P = .06, P = .202, and P = .06, respectively). GFR of the affected kidney was significantly improved from 19.9 mL/min ± 11.2 to 38.1 mL/min ± 11.9 at the 6-month follow-up after PTRA (P < .001).ConclusionsThe overall results of PTRA for pediatric RVH caused by different etiologies are promising. PTRA not only provided a clinical benefit of blood pressure control in 73.3% of the patients but also significantly improved the function of the affected kidney.     

Tenecteplase in the Treatment of Thrombosed Hemodialysis Grafts

A pilot study was carried out to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tenecteplase (TNKase) using a modified ’lyse and wait” technique with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to treat thrombosed hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVG)s. Seven patients with eight hemodialysis AVGs were treated and followed up to 1 year. Dosing included 1 mg TNKase and 3,000–4,000 U of heparin. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 88%, respectively. No major complications occurred. Primary patency rates at 30, 90, and 180 days were 62%, 50%, and 33%, respectively. TNKase, used in this fashion, may be comparable to alteplase and reteplase for safe and effective thrombolysis of PTFE dialysis grafts.     

Usefulness of paclitaxel-releasing high-pressure balloon associated with cutting balloon angioplasty for treatment of outflow stenoses of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous shunts

Aim

To evaluate the technical and clinical success, primary patency (PP) and complications of angioplasty performed with paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCBs) associated with cutting balloon and for the treatment of the outflow stenoses of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous shunt.

Material and methods

From September 2014 to September 2015, 50 patients with 66 stenoses were registered. Vascular accesses were autogenous (n = 20) and prosthetic (n = 30). Stenosis were documented during follow-up with routine echo-color Doppler, clinical evaluation and in the remaining incidentally during fistulography. Angioplasty was performed with cutting balloon and afterward with PCB. The mean follow-up time was 8 months (range 6–15 months). Technical success, clinical success, primary patency and complications were registered.

Results

Technical success was 100 %. Clinical success was 94.7 %. Primary patency rate was 87.7 %; in five patients, a significant re-stenosis (≥50 %) was registered. A residual asymptomatic stenosis (<30 %) was registered in four cases (7 %). No major complications were registered.

Conclusions

A short-term patency benefit may be obtained including PCB in angioplasty treatment of failing hemodialysis arteriovenous shunts.

     

Retrograde Pedal Access via Occluded Arteries in Endovascular Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and technical outcomes of retrograde access via occluded pedal arteries in endovascular treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) when the conventional antegrade approach fails.Materials and MethodsOne hundred fifty-one patients with CLI (age 69 y ± 10.5; 116 men) who were not surgical candidates and were treated via retrograde pedal access between January 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Seventy patients in whom retrograde access was performed through occluded arteries constituted the occluded group, and 81 patients who were treated via retrograde access from patent arteries constituted the nonoccluded group. Pedal access success, lesion crossing success, angiographic success, overall technical success, and procedure-related complications were evaluated and compared between groups.ResultsPedal access success (74 of 78 vs 83 of 87 attempts; P = .873) and lesion crossing success (64 of 78 vs 77 of 87 lesions; P = .340) were comparable between subgroups. Angiographic success (54 of 78 vs 77 of 87 lesions; P = .012) and overall technical success (48 of 70 vs 72 of 81 patients; P = .004) rates were lower in the occluded group. Procedure-related complications were similar between groups (P = .096).ConclusionsRetrograde pedal access from occluded pedal arteries is a feasible option when an antegrade approach fails in endovascular treatment of CLI. Although it has lower technical success, its use enables angiosome-directed therapy and has the potential to improve the outcomes of the procedure.     

Insufficient hemodialysis access fistulas: late results of treatment with percutaneous balloon angioplasty

Forty-six patients with malfunctioning hemodialysis access fistulas were treated with balloon angioplasty. The initial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedure was successful in 16 (89%) of 18 patients with stenoses and in 13 (46%) of 28 with occlusions. In ten patients (seven with stenoses and three with occlusions) repeated dilation (two to five times; mean, two times) became necessary due to recurrent malfunction 1-24 months (mean, 6 months) after the first intervention. In the 16 patients with stenoses, the patency rate after 6 months was 93%; after 1 year, 91%; and after 2 years, 57%. In the 12 patients with occlusions, the rates were 80%, 50%, and 14%, respectively. Dilation of stenoses in malfunctioning hemodialysis fistulas is the procedure of choice. If hemodialysis shunts malfunction, immediate dilation of stenotic lesions should be performed to prevent occlusion.     

Changes of Cine Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty: A Case-control Study

PurposeTo investigate characteristics of cine phase contrast-calculated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and velocity measures in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving standard medical treatment who had been diagnosed with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).Materials and MethodsThis case-controlled, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–blinded study included 15 patients with RR MS who presented with significant stenoses (≥50% lumen reduction on catheter venography) in the azygous or internal jugular veins. Eight patients underwent PTA in addition to medical therapy immediately following baseline assessments (case group) and seven had delayed PTA after 6 months of medical therapy alone (control group). CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified over 32 phases of the cardiac cycle by a semiautomated method. Outcomes were compared between groups at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of the study by mixed-effect model analysis.ResultsAt baseline, no significant differences in CSF flow or velocity measures were detected between groups. At month 6, significant improvement in flow (P<.001) and velocity (P = .013) outcomes were detected in the immediate versus the delayed group, and persisted to month 12 (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). Within-group flow comparisons from baseline to follow-up showed a significant increase in the immediate group (P = .033) but a decrease in the delayed group (P = .024). Altered CSF flow and velocity measures were associated with worsening of clinical and MR outcomes in the delayed group.ConclusionsPTA in patients with MS with CCSVI increased CSF flow and decreased CSF velocity, which are indicative of improved venous parenchyma drainage.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Nonmaturing Fistulae for Hemodialysis Access via Transradial Approach: A Case-Control Study

PurposeTo compare outcomes of transradial access for endovascular treatment of nonmaturing hemodialysis fistulae compared to brachial arteriography followed by unidirectional or bidirectional fistula access for intervention.Materials and MethodsIn this institutional review board-approved, retrospective, case-control study, 56 consecutive patients with nonmaturing arteriovenous fistulae underwent percutaneous intervention between 2015 and 2018. The transradial group (n = 28) underwent radial artery access for diagnostic fistulography and intervention. The control group (n = 28) underwent retrograde brachial artery access for fistulography followed by unidirectional/bidirectional fistula access for intervention. Both groups had similar demographics, fistula characteristics, and stenosis locations.ResultsFewer punctures were required in the transradial group compared to controls (1.2 vs 2.4, P < .0001), and procedure time was shorter (64.9 vs 91.3 minutes, P = .0016). Anatomic, technical, and clinical success rates trended higher in the transradial group compared to controls (93% vs 86%, 96% vs 89%, and 82% vs 64%, respectively). Nonmaturation resulting in fistula abandonment was lower in the transradial group (3.7% vs 25%, P = .025). Primary unassisted patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 77.1% ± 8.2%, 73.1% ± 8.7%, and 53.3% ± 10.6% in the transradial group, respectively, and 63.0% ± 9.3%, 55.6% ± 9.6%, and 48.1% ± 9.6% in the control group, respectively (P = .76). Primary assisted patency at 12 months was 92.3% ± 5.3% in the transradial group compared to 61.8% ± 9.6% at 12 months in the control group (P = .021). No major complications occurred. Minor complications were lower in the transradial group than in the control group (14% vs 39%, P = .068).ConclusionsTreatment of nonmaturing fistulae via a transradial approach was safe, improved midterm patency, and was associated with lower rates of fistula abandonment.     

Outcomes of Venoplasty-Assisted,Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement in Patients with Upper-Arm Venous Stenosis: Comparison with Midlines and Contralateral Placement

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and peripherally inserted central catheter (PTA + PICC), contralateral PICC, and midline catheterization (MC) in patients with venous stenosis.Materials and MethodsA total of 7,327 PICC procedures were performed in 5,421 patients at a single institution between 2013 and 2019. Among them, 87 patients had upper-arm venous stenoses and were managed with PTA + PICC, contralateral PICC, or MC. Data on catheter-dwell time, clinical success rate, and adverse events were recorded. The procedure was considered to have clinically succeeded when a PICC was removed from the patient just before discharge or after the completion of therapy. Catheter survival time and the chance of adverse events were compared among the groups using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.ResultsPTA + PICC, contralateral PICC, and MC procedures were performed for 57 (65.5%, 57/87), 10 (11.5%, 10/87), and 20 (23.0%, 23/87) patients, respectively. The mean catheter-dwell time in the PTA + PICC, contralateral PICC, and MC groups was 49.7, 28.7, and 15.1 days, respectively, and the clinical success rate of each group was 86.0% (49/57), 80.0% (8/10), and 50.0% (10/20). The PTA + PICC group had a significantly longer catheter survival time than the MC group (P < .001). The chance of a catheter-related infection (P = .008) was significantly lower in the PTA + PICC group than in the MC group.ConclusionsPTA + PICC or contralateral PICC should be considered prior to ipsilateral MC when venous stenosis is encountered during PICC procedures.     

Salvage of nonmaturing native fistulas by using angioplasty

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review outcomes following angioplasty of nonmaturing autogenous hemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board exemption was received for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study; informed consent was waived. During 48 months, 101 patients underwent fistulography for percutaneous salvage of nonmaturing native fistulas. Clinical and technical success, need for secondary interventions, and complications were recorded according to consensus definitions. Patency following angioplasty was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier technique. Patient age, sex, ethnicity, fistula age, fistula type, number of stenoses, maximal angioplastic balloon diameter used, and presence of palpable thrill following angioplasty were examined as predictors of primary patency of the fistula following intervention by using Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58 years; 35% were women. Median time from fistula creation to fistulography was 2.5 months. Hemodynamically significant (>50%) stenoses were identified in 88% (89 of 101) of patients; angioplasty was attempted in 96% (85 of 89). Technical success was achieved in 92% (78 of 85) of fistulas following angioplasty; clinical success of normal hemodialysis with total access blood flow of more than 500 mL/min occurred following 88% (75 of 85) of angioplastic interventions. No major and two minor complications occurred. Mean primary unassisted patency at 3, 6, and 12 months was 60%+/-6% (95% confidence interval), 45%+/-6%, and 34%+/-6%, respectively. Additional angioplasty (n=12), stent placement (n=1), or thrombectomy (n=1) during subsequent interventions resulted in mean secondary patency at 3, 6, and 12 months of 82%+/-4%, 79%+/-5%, and 75%+/-6%, respectively. Patients without thrill following angioplasty were more than twice as likely to lose patency as patients with thrill (P=.035). No relationship was seen between primary patency and other predictors examined. CONCLUSION: Early fistulography enables identification of underlying areas of stenosis in nonmaturing fistulas, which can be safely and effectively treated with angioplasty. With continued surveillance and repeat interventions, functional patency can be sustained in the majority of fistulas.     

Salvage of Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas with Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

The purpose of this study was to assess the value of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the salvage of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) that fail to mature. From November 1998 to February 2003, 19 patients who were treated with PTA due to immature forearm AVFs were selected. Fistulography and PTA were performed via a retrograde transvenous approach after direct puncture of the fistular vein. Technical success was defined as less than a 30% residual stenosis, whereas clinical success was defined as the ability to perform at least one session of normal hemodialysis after PTA. Findings of fistulograms, success rates of PTA, and patency rates were evaluated. On initial fistulograms, stenoses were observed in all cases and 68% (13/19) of the stenoses were located in the perianastomotic area of these immature AVFs. The initial technical success rate was 84% (16/19). Technical failures comprised two patients with diffuse narrowing and segmental thrombosis of the cephalic veins and one case of elastic recoil of the anastomotic site stenosis after PTA. Two patients were immediately lost on follow-up. The remaining 14 cases underwent successful hemodialysis 0 to 33 (mean = 15) days after PTA, showing 74% (14/19) clinical success. Although accessory branch veins were noted in most cases (74%, 14/19), leaving them alone did not affect the maturation of AVFs following PTA. There was no significant procedural or late complication. Primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 61 and 82%, respectively. For those AVFs that failed to mature, there were stenoses along their vascular courses as underlying causes. For the percutaneous procedure, the retrograde transvenous approach was a reasonable one. As PTA is effective and quick for the salvation of immature AVFs, it can be considered a primary method for salvaging these immature AVFs.     

Factors Associated with Patency Following Angioplasty of Hemodialysis Fistulae

PurposePatency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of native hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) is highly variable. This study aimed to identify predictors of patency following angioplasty in native AVFs.Materials and MethodsAll endovascular procedures performed in native AVFs between 2005 and 2013 at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, anatomic, biochemical, and medication variables were subjected to univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify predictors of postintervention primary and secondary patency.ResultsDuring the study period, 207 patients underwent first angioplasty of their AVF. Follow-up ranged from 14 days to 8 years, during which another 247 endovascular interventions were performed to maintain patency. Postintervention primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 66%, 49%, and 29%, respectively. Postintervention secondary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 94%, 84%, and 79%, respectively. On multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis, upper-arm AVFs (P = .00072), AVFs less than 6 months of age (P = .0014), presence of multiple stenoses (P = .019), and degree of initial stenosis (P = .016) were significantly associated with shorter postintervention primary patency. A previously failed AVF was the only significant predictor of postintervention secondary patency loss (P = .0053).ConclusionsAnatomic factors related to the AVF location, AVF age, and the extent of the lesion are important predictors of restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic and inflammatory markers, and medications were not associated with postintervention patency.     

Peripheral venous stenoses of hemodialysis shunts: improved long-term patency rates with stent placement

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endovascular stents placed in the peripheral veins of hemodialysis shunts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 156 endovascular stents were placed in the peripheral veins of 155 hemodialysis shunts with 220 stenoses. Among these, 106 stenoses of 93 hemodialysis shunts had been treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) before stent placement. RESULTS: The initial success rate was 97.7%. Primary radiologic patency rates of the stents at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 69.8%, 49.1%, and 45.8%, respectively. Secondary radiologic patency rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 94.0%, 91.8%, and 88.0%, respectively. Primary clinical patency rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 64.4%, 43.4%, and 27.3%; while secondary clinical patency rates at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 93.5%, 86.5%, and 73.4%, respectively. Radiologic and clinical primary patency rates of 106 stenoses and 93 hemodialysis shunts were significantly higher than those of PTA that had been performed before stents were placed. CONCLUSION: Stent placement for stenoses of the peripheral veins of hemodialysis shunts recurring in three months and treated by PTA alone can improve long-term patency.     

Treatment of Arm Swelling in Hemodialysis Patients with Ipsilateral Arteriovenous Access and Central Vein Stenosis: Conversion to the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow Graft versus Stent Deployment

PurposeTo compare outcomes after conversion of arteriovenous (AV) access to Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft vs stent deployment in patients with arm swelling owing to ipsilateral central vein stenosis.Materials and MethodsThis single-center retrospective study comprised 48 patients (19 men, mean age 58 y) with arm swelling ipsilateral to AV access and central vein stenosis over a 13-year period who had clinical follow-up and without prior central stents. Twenty-one patients underwent placement of a HeRO graft with anastomosis of the HeRO graft to the existing graft or fistula, and 27 patients underwent central venous stent deployment. Symptomatic improvement in arm swelling and access patency rates after intervention were ascertained from medical records.ResultsImprovement in swelling within 1 month after HeRO conversion and stent deployment was found in 95% and 89%, respectively (P = .62). Swelling eventually recurred in 16 patients (59%) treated with stents compared with 1 patient (5%) who underwent HeRO conversion (P < .001). Primary access patency was statistically significantly longer after HeRO conversions than stent deployments, with 6- and 12-month primary patency rates of 89% and 72% vs 47% and 11% (P < .001). HeRO conversions also resulted in longer 6- and 12-month secondary access patency rates (95% and 95% vs 79% and 58%, P = .006). Mean number of interventions per 1,000 access days to maintain secondary patency was 2.7 for the HeRO group vs 6.3 for the stent group.ConclusionsAlthough stent deployment and HeRO graft conversion are effective for alleviating arm swelling in the short term in patients receiving hemodialysis with clinically significant arm swelling and functioning AV access, the HeRO graft has more durable results.