Long-term patency rate of the translocated autologous saphenous vein versus prosthetic material in vascular access surgery for haemodialysis and parenteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term patency rate of the arteriovenous angioaccess (AVA) with interposition of either autologous or prosthetic material as a last option for vascular access in the upper extremity. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review study of all patients who received an AVA with autologous saphenous vein (SV Group, n = 38) or prosthetic material (PTFE Group, n = 25) as a conduit from the year 1996 to 2020 in the Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc). Data were retrospectively extracted from two prospectively updated local databases for vascular access, one for haemodialysis (HD) and one for parenteral nutrition (PN). When required, the medical records of each patient were used. Data were eventually collected anonymously and analysed in SPSS 25. Kaplan-Meier life-tables were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Primary patency at 12 and 48 months was 30% and 20% in the SV group and 45% and 14% in the PTFE group. No significant difference was shown in the median primary patency rate (p = 0.715). Secondary patency at 12 and 48 months was 63% and 39% in the SV group and 55% and 19% in the PTFE group. This was considered a significant difference in median secondary patency in favour of the SV with 41.16 ± 17.67 months against 13.77 ± 10.22 months for PTFE (p = 0.032). The incidence of infection was significantly lower in the SV group (p = 0.0002). A Kaplan-Meier curve could not detect a significant difference in secondary patency between the access for haemodialysis and the access for parenteral nutrition. The secondary patency of the SV in parenteral nutrition access, was significantly higher when compared with PTFE (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The SV can be preferred over PTFE when conduit material is needed for long-term vascular access for HD or PN treatment due to its higher secondary patency and lower infection risk.

Dual pathway inhibition as compared to acetylsalicylic acid monotherapy in relation to endothelial function in peripheral artery disease, a phase IV clinical trial.

Objective: Dual pathway inhibition (DPI) by combining acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) with low-dose rivaroxaban has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when compared to ASA monotherapy. A potential explanation is that inhibition of factor Xa improves endothelial function through crosstalk between coagulation and inflammatory pathways, subsequently attenuating the occurrence of cardiovascular events. We hypothesize that the addition of rivaroxaban to ASA in PAD patients leads to improved endothelial function. Design: An investigator-initiated, multicentre trial investigating the effect of DPI on endothelial function. Methods: Patients, diagnosed with PAD, were enrolled in two cohorts: cohort A (Rutherford I-III) and cohort B (Rutherford IV-VI). Participants received ASA monotherapy for a 4-weeks run-in period, followed by 12 weeks of DPI. Macro- and microvascular endothelial dysfunction were studied by measuring carotid artery reactivity upon sympathetic stimulus and by measuring plasma endothelin-1 concentrations, respectively. All measurements were performed during the use of ASA (baseline) and after 12 weeks of DPI. Results: 159 PAD patients (111 cohort A, 48 cohort B) were enrolled. Twenty patients discontinued study drugs early. Carotid artery constriction upon sympathetic stimulation at baseline (ASA) and after 12 weeks of DPI was similar in the total group, 22.0 vs. 22.7% (p = 1.000), and in the subgroups (Cohort A 22.6 vs. 23.7%, p = 1.000; cohort B 20.5 vs. 20.5%, p = 1.000), respectively. The mean concentration of plasma endothelin-1 at baseline and after 12 weeks of DPI did not differ, 1.70 ± 0.5 vs. 1.66 ± 0.64 pmol/L (p = 0.440) in the total group, 1.69 ± 0.59 vs. 1.62 ± 0.55 pmol/L in cohort A (p = 0.202), and 1.73 ± 0.53 vs. 1.77 ± 0.82 pmol/L in cohort B (p = 0.682), respectively. Conclusion: Macro- and microvascular endothelial dysfunction, as reflected by carotid artery reactivity and plasma endothelin-1 concentrations, are not influenced in PAD patients by addition of low-dose rivaroxaban to ASA monotherapy for 12 weeks. Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04218656.

Three Year Patency and Recurrence Rates of Revision Using Distal Inflow with a Venous Interposition Graft for High Flow Brachial Artery Based Arteriovenous Fistula.

OBJECTIVES: Upper arm arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) occasionally develop high flow. Revision using distal inflow (RUDI) effectively reduces flow of high flow accesses (HFA) in the short-term and is also popularised for treatment of haemodialysis access induced distal ischaemia (HAIDI). The long-term efficacy is unknown. The study's aim was to report on 3 year RUDI patency and recurrence rates for HFA with and without HAIDI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with a HFA with or without HAIDI undergoing RUDI using greater saphenous vein (GSV) interposition between March 2011 and October 2017 at three facilities. AVFs were termed HFA if flow volumes exceeded 2 L/min on two consecutive measurements using dilution techniques. HAIDI was diagnosed as recommended. Following RUDI, follow up was not different from standard care in AVF patients. Data on post-operative flows and re-interventions were extracted from electronic patient files. Loss to follow up was avoided. Rates of patency and HFA recurrence were analysed. RESULTS: During the observation period, 21 patients were studied (7 females, 54 years ± 3). Fourteen had uncomplicated HFA whereas seven had additional HAIDI. Immediately post-operatively, flows decreased threefold (3120 mL/min ± 171 vs. 1170 mL/min ± 87, p < .001). Overall 3 year primary patency was 48% ± 12 (HFA, 55% ± 15 vs. HAIDI/HFA, 29% ± 17, p = .042). Secondary patency was identical in both groups (overall, 84% ± 9). Interventions were percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (n = 12, 9 patients), thrombectomy (n = 7, 3 patients), and revision with new interposition grafts (n = 3). After 3 years, 51% ± 12 were free of high flow (HFA, 32% ± 13 vs. HAIDI/HFA, 100%, p = .018). High immediate post-operative access flow predicted recurrence (OR 1.004 [1.000-1.007], p = .044). Patients with recurrence were 12 years younger than those without (p = .055). CONCLUSION: RUDI with GSV interposition for HFA offers acceptable patency rates after 3 years although re-interventions are often required. High immediate post-operative flows and young age are associated with recurrent high flow.

Effectiveness of surgical banding for high flow in brachial artery-based hemodialysis vascular access.

OBJECTIVE: Autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis (HD) access may develop high flow (>2 L/min) over time. Reducing flow volume of a high-flow access (HFA) using a surgical banding technique has been reported to be successful in the short-term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of banding in HFAs in terms of freedom from recurrence of high flow during a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: All HD patients undergoing surgical banding of an HFA during an 8-year period in three hospitals were retrospectively studied. Access flow data, freedom of recurrent high flow, and complications were analyzed during a 12-month postoperative observation period. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (30 males; age, 51 ± 2 years) were available for analysis. Banding was performed 30 ± 6 months after arteriovenous access construction. Most of the HFA patients (56%) required medication for hypertension, but diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial obstructive disease were seldom observed (6% and 12%, respectively). Most HFAs (96%) were brachial artery-based fistulas (brachiocephalic: 56%, basilic vein transposition: 40%, radiocephalic: 4%). Banding initially reduced access flow by >50% (3070 ± 95 vs 1490 ± 105 mL/min, P < .001). Recurrent high flow (>2 L/min) developed in 52% of the patients during the observation period. Young age (45 ± 3 vs 57 ± 3 years; P = .02) and an access flow >1 L/min immediately after banding (P = .03) were risk factors for recurrent high flow. CONCLUSIONS: An immediate postbanding access flow >1 L/min and young age are risk factors for recurrent high flow in a banded brachial artery-based HD access during a 1-year follow-up.

Haemodialysis decreases finger pressures independent of artificial kidney blood flow.

BACKGROUND: During haemodialysis, some patients experience intensification of symptoms of haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia. Aim of this study is to compare the effects of two different regimens of arterial blood flow in patients with an arteriovenous access. METHODS: A questionnaire identified 10 patients that subjectively experienced ischaemic symptoms during haemodialysis. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, finger pressure (P(dig)), finger temperature (T(dig)), oxygen saturation and ischaemic scores were monitored during two different arterial blood flow dialysis sessions. RESULTS: Before dialysis, P(dig) and T(dig) of the arteriovenous access hand were significantly lower compared with the other hand. Haemodialysis induced a drop of P(dig) in both hands. All changes in P(dig) occurred independent of the artificial kidney's blood flow level. CONCLUSION: Systemic hypotension following onset of haemodialysis further intensifies an already diminished hand perfusion. Measures preventing dialytic hypotension will likely attenuate symptoms associated with haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia during haemodialysis.

Multiple carcinomas in the hemodialysis access induced ischemic hand of a renal transplant patient.

Long term immunosuppression following organ transplantation promotes the onset of skin cancers. A renal transplant patient developed multiple hyperkeratotic nodi in the left hand and digital pain following prolonged immunosuppression. Several skin abnormalities were observed in an ischemic and atrophic left hand in the presence of a patent Cimino-Brescia arteriovenous fistula previously used for hemodialysis. Severe hand ischemia was confirmed by digital plethysmography. Pathological examination of all 7 excised skin lesions indicated manifestations of well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Severe loco-regional ischemia due to an intact hemodialysis access may enhance the toxic effects of chronic immunosuppressive medication. Oxidative stress may act as a co-carcinogenic factor for the development of SCC in renal transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive agents.

Banding of hemodialysis access to treat hand ischemia or cardiac overload.

A hemodialysis access may lead to cardiac overload (CO) or hand ischemia [hemodialysis access induced distal ischemia (HAIDI). Surgical banding restricts access flow and promotes distal perfusion. Aim of the study was to investigate short- and long-term clinical success of banding in these patient groups. After evaluation using a standard protocol, banding procedures (n = 19) were performed in patients (n = 17) with a hemodialysis access flow > or =2 l/minute or with refractory HAIDI. Various parameters including access flow, digital brachial index (DBI), and symptomatology of hand ischemia using a standard scoring system were determined before and after the operation. Surgical banding in CO patients (n = 9) lowered access flows by 2 l (Flow(preop) 3.2 +/- 0.3 l/minute vs. Flow(postop) 1.2 +/- 0.1 l/minute, p < 0.001). Banding in HAIDI patients (n = 10) increased DBI from 0.52 +/- 0.08 to 0.65 +/- 0.08 (p = 0.05), whereas ischemic symptomatology was attenuated (153 +/- 33 to 42 +/- 15, p < 0.02). All patients successfully continued dialysis, and immediate access occlusions (<3 months) were not observed. Access flows remained at acceptable levels after a mean follow-up of 30 months in surviving patients (n = 11, flow: 1.0 +/- 0.1 l/min). Two patients were reoperated for recurrent CO (one and 28 months postoperatively). Surgical banding monitored by measurement of flow and finger pressures is an effective short- and long-term treatment modality for hemodialysis access related CO or distal ischemia.

Time of onset in haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia (HAIDI) is related to the access type.

BACKGROUND: A small portion of haemodialysis patients develop hand ischaemia (HAIDI, haemodialysis access-induced distal ischaemia) in the presence of an arteriovenous access (AVA). It is unknown if the time of onset of ischaemia is related to the type of AVA. This review aims to investigate if a relationship is present between the type of AVA and the time of onset and intensity of HAIDI. METHODS: Standard databases and reference lists of the pertinent literature were systematically searched. HAIDI was classified as 'acute' (<24 h after routine access construction), 'subacute' (within 1 month) or 'chronic' (>1 month). Location, type and follow-up of AVA were tabulated. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies reporting on surgically or percutaneously corrected HAIDI patients (n = 464) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Acute HAIDI strongly (88%) correlated with non-autogenous AVA. In contrast, chronic HAIDI was predominantly (91%) observed following autogenous AVA based on the cubital segment of the brachial artery. A simple clinical classification for chronic HAIDI guiding treatment strategies is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Hand ischaemia occurring early after routine access surgery is usually related to grafts and not to autogenous access construction. If patients have several risk factors for acute hand ischaemia (diabetes), nephrologists and vascular surgeons may choose an autogenous AVA. A disadvantage of an autogenous access is its association with chronic hand ischaemia, particularly if constructed with a brachial artery.

Retarded hand growth due to a hemodialysis fistula in a young girl.

Long-term presence of an arteriovenous hemodialysis fistula (AVF) may lead to alterations in hand perfusion. In the case reported here, a 14-year-old girl developed pain associated with hand ischemia 5 years after a successful kidney transplantation. At age 8 years, she required a period of hemodialysis using an autogenous left upper arm AVF. Compared to the healthy right hand, a smaller ischemic left hand was observed in the presence of a patent AVF. Access flow was 1400 ml/min. Seldinger angiography demonstrated a stenotic brachial artery, and duplex measurements indicated a reversed blood flow in the radial artery. AVF ligation abolished the ischemic symptoms. Distal hypotension due to an impaired arterial inflow combined with a low resistance elbow AVF may result in chronic hypoperfusion of acral portions of the extremity and growth retardation. Access ligation is advised in children with an optimal renal transplant function and a patent elbow AVF suffering from lowered distal tissue perfusion.

Access flow, venous saturation, and digital pressures in hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: A hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) requires surgical modification in patients with cardiac overload or dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS). Creation of an artificial stenosis (banding) within the AVF may be used, but this technique lacks the guidance of objective parameters. The aim of this pilot study was to identify indicators that reflect AVF flow in dialysis patients with either access-related cardiac overload (CO) or DASS requiring corrective surgery. METHODS: Patients underwent serial measurements of subclavian venous saturation (Sat(ven)), access flow (Flow(us)), and index digital pressures (P(dig)) during a corrective banding procedure. RESULTS: Data were obtained in 14 individuals (9 men; mean age, 53 +/- 6 years) during 16 studies (CO, n = 8; DASS, n = 8). Before surgery, correlations between preoperative flow, Sat(ven) and P(dig) were not significant. Stepwise banding of the AVF altered Sat(ven) in both groups from a mean of 91% +/- 1% (open AVF) to 84% +/- 2% (closed AVF, P < .001). The CO patients demonstrated a larger drop (-13%) compared with the DASS patients (-4%). Values of P(dig) increased from 68 +/- 9 to 90 +/- 9 mm Hg (P < .001), and both groups demonstrated a similar +23 mm Hg increase. In concert, the digital brachial index also significantly improved in all patients from 0.60% +/- 0.09% to 0.74% +/- 0.10%. Linearity was present between alterations in Flow(us) and Sat(ven) in all patients, but mostly in the CO patients (r(2) = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Stepwise banding of hemodialysis fistulas leads to dose-dependent decreases in flow and ipsilateral subclavian venous saturation combined with augmented digital pressures in patients with cardiac overload and dialysis associated steal syndrome. Intraoperative measurements of venous saturation and digital pressures may have the potential of guiding surgical correction in these patients.