Preoperative ultrasonographic examination of the radial artery and the cephalic vein and risks of dialysis arterio-venous fistula dysfunction

BACKGROUND Hemodialysis used as renal replacement therapy requires a well-functioning vascular access. Arterio-venous fistula (AVF) created on the forearm is the best vascular access, but it also reveals numerous complications such as: lack of fistula maturation and hemodynamically significant stenoses. Many risk factors of fistula dysfunction are still not identified. MATERIAL/METHODS Radial artery and cephalic vein diameter and patency were ultrasonographically examined before forearm AVF creation. Intima-media complex width, blood flow and peak systolic velocity in distal part of radial artery were measured. Presence of thrombosis and post-inflammatory changes in cephalic vein were also checked. Forearm AVF was created in 66 patients. Fistula US examination was performed 3 and 12 months after operation with measurement of vessel diameter and blood flow. Fistula patency was observed in 24 months after creation. Comparison of pre- and postoperative US examinations between groups with well functioning and thrombosed fistulas was performed. RESULTS Primary patency of forearm AVF after 12 and 24 months was 65.2% and 53.0%, respectively. Patients with well functioning forearm AVF have significantly bigger cephalic vein diameter and peak systolic velocity in radial artery. We did not observe significant influence of radial artery intima-media complex width and radial artery diameter on AVF function. In postoperative examination, fistula diameter and flow significantly influenced the risk of AVF thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS US examination of radial artery and cephalic vein performed before forearm AVF creation enables identification of patients with greater risk of fistula dysfunction. Cephalic vein diameter and peak systolic velocity are prognostic factors of fistula function. Control postoperative US examination of forearm fistula enables detection of AVF at risk of thrombosis.