Bridging to a high flow upper arm native fistula for hemodialysis with the LifeSite Hemodialysis Access System

Permanent vascular access for chronic hemodialysis requires a reliable structure with adequate blood flow. Endogenous arteriovenous (AV) fistulas offer the best outcomes, but standard radiocephalic fistulas are not always feasible. A reliable alternative is a transposed basilic vein-brachial artery AV fistula, which offers a number of advantages over synthetic AV grafts. The transposed basilic vein fistula provides high flow rates along with low rates of infection, thrombosis, and other complications; however, longer maturation times may be nec-essary. This longer maturation time may necessitate the use of a "bridge device" for access. The new, fully subcutaneous vascular access device - the LifeSite(R) hemodialysis Access System - offers several significant advantages over a standard dialysis catheter as a bridge device: higher flow rates without recirculation, as well as lower rates of infection, thrombosis, and hospitalization. This article describes the surgical procedure for the creation of the transposed basilic vein fistula and the implantation procedure for the LifeSite System. We report on the use of this combined sequential approach to vascular access in 14 patients with excellent results. All 14 patients initially implanted with the LifeSite System were successfully bridged to a functional transposed basilic vein fistula. The mean flow rate with the LifeSite System was 450 ml/min; only one device had to be removed due to infection in an HIV-positive patient, and no other complications were observed. The mean time to maturation of the transposed basilic vein fistula was 6 months; the upper arm fistulas delivered a mean flow rate of 1100 ml/min with a 100% patency rate at 6 months. The sequential use of the LifeSite System and a transposed basilic vein fistula represents a valuable approach to increasing the usage of a high flow native AV fistula.     

Optimal timing for secondary arteriovenous fistula creation: devastating effects of delaying conversion

A chronic hemodialysis patient was referred to interventional nephrology for evaluation of arteriovenous access dysfunction. The patient had been receiving hemodialysis using a left forearm brachiobasilic loop graft for the past 3 years. Physical examination revealed a hyperpulsatile graft. Angiography documented a critical stenosis at the vein-graft anastomosis and a well-developed basilic vein from the elbow to the axillary region. Central veins were patent all the way to the right atrium. All attempts to navigate the wire across the stenosis failed. The patient was educated and counseled regarding the possibility of surgical creation of a secondary arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The images obtained were shared and discussed with the surgeon. A plan to create a secondary AVF using the basilic vein in the arm was made. A few months later the patient was referred to interventional nephrology, this time for thrombectomy of the same left arm loop graft. Thrombectomy could not be performed and a right internal jugular tunneled catheter was inserted. The patient again was referred to the surgeon for AVF creation. Six weeks later the patient was seen in the interventional laboratory for removal of the right internal jugular tunneled catheter. It was noted that instead of a fistula, the patient had received a right forearm brachiocephalic loop graft. Devastating consequences, such as the lost opportunity to create a fistula, insertion of a tunneled dialysis catheter, arteriovenous graft placement, exhaustion of available sites for fistula creation, and exposure to increased morbidity and mortality associated with grafts and catheters, can result if the opportunity to create a secondary AVF is not availed in a timely manner. This concept must be understood by every member of the vascular access team.     

Blood access puncture point pseudoaneurysms in two hemodialysis patients

This is a report of blood access puncture point pseudoaneurysms which occurred in two hemodialysis patients. Case 1: A 58-year-old male had been undergoing hemodialysis treatment since June, 1975. In January, 1981 a subcutaneous mass had developed at the blood access puncture point above the previously superficialized left femoral artery. An operation was performed in February, 1981 and the mass was dissected. The same artery has been used since the operation for blood access without any problems. The dimensions of the egg-shaped dissected mass were 3.5 X 4 X 2.5 cm. A histological diagnosis of the wall of the mass showed that it was a pseudoaneurysm. Case 2: A 48-year-old female had been undergoing hemodialysis treatment since September, 1983. The left basilic vein, connected to the brachial artery, has been used for blood access. In April, 1984, a subcutaneous mass had developed at the blood access puncture point and an operation was performed within a few days. Operative findings revealed that the mass was a capsulized infected hematoma with a smooth but extremely thin and easily ruptured surface, and the section of the basilic vein surrounded by the mass showed evidence of necrotic change due to compression. The brachial artery was resutured at the region where it was previously connected to the basilic vein without disturbance of arterial blood flow. In July, 1985, an operation was performed in which a new blood access was constructed in the left thigh by superficializing the femoral artery and connecting its side to the end of the saphenous vein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Deep vein thrombosis following arthroscopic meniscal root repair: A case report

IntroductionDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) following arthroscopic surgery is a rare condition, especially arthroscopic meniscal surgery. There have been three reported cases of DVT after arthroscopic meniscal procedure, all related to arthroscopic meniscectomy. In this study, we reported the first case of symptomatic DVT at the level of the femoral vein to the popliteal vein following arthroscopic meniscal root repair.Case presentationThe case was a 55-year-old Thai female who presented with left knee pain for 2 months after a fall. She was diagnosed as left medial meniscal root injury and had had an arthroscopic meniscal root repair. At 6 weeks post-operatively, she developed left leg swelling without pain. She was diagnosed as DVT and was initially treated with enoxaparin for three days then warfarin for three months.ConclusionWe report a case of symptomatic DVT that extended from the femoral vein to the popliteal vein after arthroscopic meniscal root repair. The risks of DVT following arthroscopic surgery are aged more than 40 years old and tourniquet time more than 60 min.     

Fourteen years of hemodialysis with a central venous catheter: mechanical long-term complications

The ideal dialysis access ensures adequate blood flow for dialysis, has a long life, and is associated with a low complication rate. Although no current type of access fulfills all these criteria, the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is close to doing so. Unfortunately, various kinds of vascular access (VA) are becoming more and more necessary to enable hemodialysis (HD). The central venous catheter (CVC), which is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, could be the only viable option to maintain permanent VA. We report an unusual complication in a patient, a 74-year-old female, who had been undergoing HD via a CVC for 14 yrs. A polyurethane CVC with a double lumen was inserted into the right internal jugular vein because an AVF was not feasible, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis was obstructed. In 2003, the CVC was removed due to stenosis and occlusion of the superior vena cava. A new CVC, also made of polyurethane and with a double lumen, was inserted into the left femoral vein. In January 2005, the patient reported a small rupture of about 3-4 mm located under the cuff of the CVC. For this reason, the left femoral vein had to be used, replacing the Optiflow one with a 40-cm long Tesio CVC, and the second catheter was inserted into the right femoral artery by conventional surgery. After 10 months, the patient returned once more, after the CVC in the left femoral vein had been removed because of malfunction and that the at-tempts to cannulate the same vein again had failed. Currently, two 70-cm long Tesio catheters implanted in the right femoral vein (whose tips almost reach the diaphragm) are used for dialysis sessions. The number of CVC implants has progressively increased amongst HD patients who are elderly, diabetic or who have been on long-term HD. The patient described in this case report is currently using a 70-cm long double Tesio catheter (single Tesio CVC in SPI silicon) placed in the right femoral vein. She has resumed therapy with dicumarol anticoagulants, maintaining INR within the 2.5-3.5 range. In conclusion, both the increase in the use of venous catheters for HD and in the survival of dialysis patients contribute towards the observation of rare complications associated with CVC use.     

Comparison of Autologous Basilic Vein Transpositions between Forearm and Upper Arm Regions

Arteriovenous fistulas are crucial for hemodialysis performances in patients with end-stage renal disease. In this report, we compare the results of basilic vein transposition in the forearm and upper arm regions. Autologous basilic vein transpositions were used in 20 patients with end-stage renal failure between May 2000 and January 2002. In 10 cases the basilic vein transposition was in the upper arm region for construction of a brachiobasilic fistula (group 1); in the remaining 10 cases it was in the forearm region for creation of a radiobasilic fistula (group 2). The mean age of the patients in group 1 was 53.6 years, and in group 2 it was 47.3. At the end of the follow-up period (mean, 10 months) patency rates in group 1 were 80% and in group 2, 90%. In group 2, early-term thrombosis, which could be treated easily with second intervention and anticoagulation treatment (low-molecular-weight heparin), was the most common complication (10%). For patients who have unsuitable cephalic vein and require long-term hemodialysis, transposition of the basilic vein in the forearm region (under the elbow) can be a good secondary choice for access, as can a brachiobasilic fistula in the upper arm region.     

Use of the internal mammary vein for access outflow in a hemodialysis fistula

A patient with occlusion of multiple central veins from both dialysis and nondialysis catheters required permanent access for hemodialysis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a patent left innominate vein. He underwent creation of a left axillary artery to internal mammary vein transposition fistula using the basilic vein from his right arm. The fistula has required one revision for outflow stenosis and one for aneurysmal degeneration. It continues to function well 3 years after placement. The internal mammary vein is an option for outflow when permanent hemodialysis access has failed in the presence of a patent innominate vein with occluded or severely stenotic ipsilateral subclavian and jugular veins.     

Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients with Central Venous Obstruction or Stenosis: One Center’s Experience

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of complex hemodialysis access procedures among patients with central venous obstruction who were running out of access sites. Between September 2002 and December 2003 we performed a total of 640 new hemodialysis access procedures in 3 renal units. Ten of these patients presented central vein stenosis or obstruction and were not suitable for peritoneal dialysis. Each of the 10 patients had 3 or 4 previous failed access procedures and numerous infected central lines and their dialysis catheters were not functioning adequately. Nine patients presented with a severely stenosed or occluded superior vena cava and 1 had both subclavian veins occluded. Three patients were diabetics, 2 were obese and 6 had hypertension. We performed 12 procedures on these 10 patients. Saphenous veins were used 6 times, twice as a loop to the femoral artery and 4 times as a transposition to the popliteal artery above the knee. Femoral vein transposition to the popliteal artery was carried out in 2 cases. We performed 3 axillary artery to popliteal vein polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses, 1 on an obese woman who had no saphenous vein and was not suitable for a femoral vein transposition, 1 on a diabetic woman whose saphenous vein loop clotted after 5 months and 1 on a female patient with severe peripheral vascular disease. The patient with bilateral subclavian vein occlusion had a brachial artery to internal jugular vein PTFE graft. The PTFE graft to the jugular vein has been patent and regularly needled with a follow-up of 4 months. Four saphenous vein fistulae were regularly used for dialysis; 2 were never used. Five saphenous fistulae clotted after an average life span of 4 months (range 3 weeks-9 months) and 1 is still patent and in use (5 months). Both femoral vein transpositions have been patent and have been needled 3 times a week with a follow-up of 10 and 4 months; one had to be revised surgically after 9 months. Of the 3 axillary artery to popliteal vein grafts, 1 had to be tied off after a week because of severe steal syndrome and 2 have been patent (20 months follow-up) and have been needled regularly ever since. Seventy percent of these patients have been dialyzed line-free through their fistula despite severe central vein stenosis or obstruction for periods of 9-18 months when this review was undertaken. Although the follow-up needs to be longer, we discuss the surgical, radiologic, and dialysis features of these patients and propose a management pathway for central vein stenosis or occlusion.     

Arteriovenous fistula using transposed basilic vein in chronic hypotensive hemodialysis patients

AIM: Chronic hypotension is not uncommon in uremic patients on regular hemodialysis. This subset of patients often requires multiple operations to maintain their vascular access due to frequent thrombosis and occlusion of the arteriovenous fistula. Our aims was to assess whether surgical intervention with the brachial artery-transposed basilic vein fistula is effective in chronic hypotensive hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four hemodialysis patients with chronic hypotension were enrolled in this study. Most ofthem were referred from local hospitals. They were 23 men and 31 women. The brachial artery-transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistula was performed in a period of 46 months at the teaching hospital. Primary patency was defined as the length of time from the fistula creation until the development of thrombosis or a complication that required operative revision ofthe fistula. Secondary patency was defined by whether the fistula could be salvaged by revision such that blood flow was maintained. RESULTS: There was no technical failure and none of these patients died due to the surgical operation. The primary patency rate was 89.80% at 1 year, 73.08% at 2 years, and 64.710% at 3 years. The secondary patency rate was 95.92% at 1 year, 84.62% at 2 years, and 76.47% at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Brachial artery-transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistula may present good primary alternative vascular access in chronic hypotensive hemodialysis patients.     

Subfascial hematoma progressed to arm compartment syndrome due to a nontransposed brachiobasilic fistula

Vascular access-associated compartment syndrome is reported rarely in hemodialysis patients. A 62-year-old female hemodialysis patient experienced left-arm compartment syndrome caused by a nontransposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula. A subfascial hematoma that developed because of perforation of the posterior wall of the basilic vein was not detected by Doppler ultrasound initially, and subsequent heparinized hemodialysis caused progression of the hematoma. Neuromuscular sequelae were prevented by performing an emergent fasciotomy, and transposition of the arterialized basilic vein was performed later to prevent similar complications in the future. This case report shows the risk for the occurrence of such a devastating complication if the nontransposed brachiobasilic fistula is used for hemodialysis vascular access.     

Arteriovenous brachio-basilic fistula as hemodialysis port. Original technique and long term results

The authors report a prospective series of patients with-long term vascular access for chronic hemodialysis fashioned with a transposed brachio-basilic fistula. Over a three-year period (1998-2000), 14 patients underwent creation of the arteriovenous fistula. Demographic and clinical data were registered and a length of follow up more than 12 months was in all cases obtained. Of the 14 fistulas performed, 7 were successfully used for dialysis without complication. In seven patients late revision of fistulas was performed. The primary and secondary patency actuarial rates at two years were 50% and 75% respectively. The results of this series highlight as the basilic vein fistula provides reliable vascular access for chronic hemodialysis therapy. The low cost and the low morbidity rates suggest the brachial artery-transposed basilic vein fistulas as a valuable part of vascular access history of patients with chronic renal failure.     

Experience using central venous access for long-term hemodialysis. A new concept

Central venous access for acute renal failure has been used for a number of years. The femoral vein and, more recently, the subclavian vein have been the routes of access. This technique has many advantages, however, it also has some significant limitations. We have recently been using a catheter for long- as well as short-term hemodialysis. The catheter is placed by means of a short incision through an opening in the internal jugular vein, and maneuvered so that the tip lies in the superior portion of the right atrium. After dialysis, the catheter is filled with heparin. The catheter then requires no additional care between between hemodialysis sessions. We have reported an experience of 50 patients in whom this catheter has been used. The complications have been remarkably few, and none were serious or fatal. At present, the patient using the catheter for the longest period of time has had it in position for approximately 19 months. We believe this technique provides a significant new choice among the ways in which hemodialysis can be achieved for short- or long-term needs.     

Comparison of basilic vein and polytetrafluoroethylene for brachial arteriovenous fistula

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare patency and complication rates between basilic vein and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for brachial arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for long-term hemodialysis.Methods: All basilic vein and PTFE brachial AVF constructed between March 1988 and April 1993 were retrospectively reviewed. After construction of life-tables, log-rank testing was used to compare the primary patency rate of basilic vein AVF (n = 59) with the primary and secondary patency rates of PTFE AVF (n = 47). Complication rates were calculated for each type of fistula and compared by use of chi-squared testing.Results: The primary patency rate for basilic vein AVF (90%) was superior to that of PTFE AVF (70%) at 1 year (p < 0.01), and at 2 years (86% vs 49%, p < 0.001). Complications occurred two and a half times more frequently in the PTFE group than in the basilic vein group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Basilic vein AVF provided superior patency rates and lower complication rates compared with PTFE AVF. Prospective randomized trials comparing the two fistula types is required to firmly establish the basilic vein AVF as the alternative access procedure of choice after a failed or unconstructable radiocephalic fistula. (J VASC SURG 1994;20:896-904.)     

Catheter use is high even among hemodialysis patients with a fistula or graft

At any given time, approximately 27% of patients in the United States (US) receive hemodialysis through a permanent catheter. However, this cross-sectional estimate may significantly underestimate the lifetime exposure of patients to hemodialysis catheters, and hence, to the excess risk of the adverse clinical events associated with catheter use. To further clarify catheter use in hemodialysis patients, we identified a cohort of fistula and graft patients in the US Renal Data System using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Patients were included if their first hemodialysis was between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2001, and Medicare was their primary payer. We identified permanent catheter insertions in these patients using CPT codes starting 6 months before their first hemodialysis session (or fistula or graft placement, if earlier), and ending 40 months afterward. Most patients (82%) were >65 years old, 57% were male, and 72% were white. The overall rate of permanent catheter insertions was 44 per 100 patient years, with 57% of patients having at least one catheter insertion. The percent of patients receiving a catheter was similar before (30%) and after (27%) the first fistula or graft placement. Cross-sectional analysis may significantly underestimate the lifetime risk of exposure to hemodialysis catheters. Because catheter use is common even in fistula and graft patients, measures used to prevent adverse events associated with catheter use are important in all patients regardless of current access type.     

Large external iliac vein aneurysm in a patient with a post-traumatic femoral arteriovenous fistula

We report about a young patient with a large aneurysm of the left external iliac vein associated with a traumatic arteriovenous fistula between the left superficial femoral artery and the femoral vein after a stab wound 20 years ago. The patient presented with swelling of the left leg, which developed during the past years and worsened after saphenectomy 12 months before hospital admission. The chronically hyperperfused common iliac artery proximal to the arteriovenous fistula was compressing the common iliac vein. The venous outflow obstruction and subsequent venous hypertension render a possible explanation for the formation of the iliac vein aneurysm. Surgical repair of the venous aneurysm by interposition grafting and closure of the arteriovenous fistula was successful. A postoperative computed tomography scan showed a 50% size reduction of the feeding artery, underlining the ability of the arterial system to normalize arterial diameter in response to flow reduction, even after a high flow situation had existed for probably >20 years.     

球囊扩张成形术处理透析用动静脉内瘘狭窄性病变及短中期结果

目的:探讨球囊扩张成形技术在治疗血液透析用动静脉内瘘(AVF)狭窄的临床效果。方法:回顾性分析2014年5月—2015年12月间采用球囊扩张成形技术治疗的31例血液透析用AVF狭窄性病变患者的临床资料。结果:31例患者中,男18例,女13例;桡动脉-头静脉内瘘27例,桡动脉-贵要静脉内瘘2例,尺动脉-贵要静脉内瘘2例;均接受球囊扩张技术治疗。28例(90.3%)获得技术上的成功,围手术期无患者死亡。1例患者术后出现动脉穿刺处假性动脉瘤,1例患者术后出现AVF血栓形成,1例患者出现前臂皮下血肿,其他所有患者AVF恢复通畅并能够以正常流量进行血液透析治疗。术后随访3~12个月,3、6、12个月初次通畅率分别为92.9%,75.0%,50.0%。结论:球囊扩张成形术处理AVF狭窄性病变微创、安全,是AVF狭窄性病变的合理治疗方法,但其中长期疗效仍有待于进一步改善。     

Prosthetic arteriovenous fistula for vascular access in hemodialysis.

Vascular access through subcutaneous prosthetic arteriovenous fistulas was studied in eighteen dogs. Dacron velour and woven Dacron grafts (6 mm diameter) were constructed across the lower abdomen between the common femoral artery and the opposite common femoral vein. In heparinized animals 197 percutaneous punctures were made with a "14 guage hemodialysis cannula at weekly intervals. Over a period of one and a half years there was no instance of infection. One of the fourteen Dacron velous and all four woven Dacron fistulas thrombosed. These data suggested the feasibility of achieving repetitive blood access through Dacron velour vascular prostheses. Nineteen Dacron velour fistula bypasses between the brachial artery and median basilic vein were performed in fifteen selected patients for a total dialysis period of ninety-six months. Failed standard subcutaneous fistulas or absence of suitable vessels in the upper extremity were indications for the primary procedure. Of three looped forearm fistulas, two thrombosed at twenty-two and two months. Complications among sixteen straight bypasses in the arm included two graft infections and one cannula tract infection. There were no instances of thrombosis in this group. The advantages of single needle dialysis in these high risk patients have been emphasized. Eleven grafts are presently functioning two to nine months postoperatively. Our preliminary results suggest that a Dacron velour fistula merits consideration as an alternative for vascular access in maintenance hemodialysis.     

Combined arteriovenous fistula and venous aneurysm following knee arthrodesis

We study a case of a 65-year-old woman who developed popliteal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and venous aneurysm following left knee arthrodesis. Presenting features included left popliteal and calf pain, a tender pulsatile mass posterior to her left knee, popliteal bruit and a thrill at the popliteal fossa and ankle. Left femoral angiography showed an AVF arising from the right tibioperoneal trunk and an aneurysm at the level of the AVF. Findings at open investigation included AVF between the tibioperoneal trunk and the popliteal vein, and a venous aneurysm arising from the popliteal vein opposite the neck of the arteriovenous communication. The aneurysm and fistula were repaired using prolene suture.     

Sheep Model of Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula Using Superficial Veins

Current models of animal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) are swine models of femoral vein terminolaterally anastomosed to femoral artery, creating a deep AVF. This feature sets it aside from human AVFs using superficial veins. Our AVF model uses sheep superficial veins to create an AVF almost identical to human model. AVFs were created in six sheep using basilic veins sutured terminolaterally to brachial artery. Presurgery vein and artery diameters were measured. We measured AVFs and feeding arteries blood flows and diameters at 1, 3, and 5 weeks postsurgery. At 5 weeks we performed angiograms, euthanized animals, and harvested AVFs. Four animals completed the study. Three AVFs developed and were patent at 5 weeks; one thrombosed. Animal weight and presurgery vessels diameters predicted AVFs blood flows and diameters. Despite using vessels with diameters smaller than the ones recommended for human AVF, the Fistulas developed. Two animals died before the study conclusion for causes unrelated to surgery. This AVF model is anatomically almost identical to the human AVF and has a good maturation rate. It is a viable model for studying AVF maturation, devices intended to improve AVF maturation, AVF related procedures and can even support hemodialysis needles.     

Transposed Basilic Vein-Brachial Arteriovenous Fistula: An Alternative Vascular Access for Hemodialysis

Twenty-five brachial-basilic arteriovenous (AV) fistulas with transposed basilic vein for alternative vascular access were created in 22 chronic hemodialysis patients. This surgical procedure was performed under brachial block or general anesthesia. After a longitudinal skin incision that was made in the inner side of the arm, the basilic vein was exposed, transposed subcutaneously, and anastomosed end-to-side to the brachial artery. The follow-up was between 7 and 24 months. Early complications were hemorrhage, thrombosis, steal syndrome, and swelling of the arm. Among the late complications were failure of the fistula because of thrombosis and multiple stenosis at the site of venipuncture. The accumulated one-year patency rate of fistulas was 81%. The complications of high-output cardiac failure or local infection were not seen in our study. On the basis of our results, the brachial-basilic AV fistula with transposed basilic vein is a useful and safe second- or third-choice vascular procedure for hemodialysis patients, in particular for women without good quality of vessels.