A comparison between one- and two-stage brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas

Single stage versus two stage basilic vein transposition for hemodialysis access: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The basilic vein transposition is a brachio basilic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) made after the mobilization and transferring of basilic vein to the ventral aspect of arm inside a subcutaneous pocket by direct dissection. The procedure can be performed either in single stage or two stages. This study compares the clinical efficacy and long term utility of single-stage and two-stage basilic vein transposition among patients of renal failure and to evaluate failure rate, primary patency rates, and postoperative complications.

METHOD

Patients who underwent basilic vein transposition at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi from January 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to single stage or two-stage procedure. After the surgical procedure, assessment of fistula maturation and surveillance were undertaken using ultrasound and physical examination. Patients were requested to visit the out-patient clinic for assessment of fistula patency and post-operative complications at regular intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months respectively.

RESULT

During the 12 months' interval, 82 (39.04%) basilic vein transpositions were performed in single-stage and 128 (60.95%) were two-staged transposition. In our analysis we have found that as compared to single stage, two-stage basilic vein transpositions showed significantly better primary patency rates (76.82% vs 96%; p-value 0.000) and required less interventions for maintaining fistula patency. More post-operative sequelae were noted in the single stage version of the procedure as compared to the two stage procedure.

CONCLUSION

Two stage procedure of basilic vein transposition is found to have better patency rate and lesser post-surgical complications. However, a matched cohort prospective study is still needed to further strengthen the conclusion.

Comparison of wound complications between one-stage and two-stage brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula: A meta-analysis

Research assessing the outcome of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas (BB-AVF) after a one- and two-stage technique was conducted. A strict review of the comprehensive literature up to May 2023 was carried out using four databases-PubMed，Embase, Cochrane Library and web of science. Inclusion and exclusion criteria developed for the study were then applied to assess the quality of the literature, it was decided to review 12 interrelated studies.95% confidence intervals (Cl) and odds ratios (OR) were calculated using fixed effects models. The data were meta-analysed using RevMan 5.3 software. The results showed that two-stage technique with BB-AVF reduced surgical site haematoma (SSH) formation, (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.24-4.17, p = 0.008), and also reduced surgical site wound infection (SSWI) (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.17-2.94, p = 0.008). There are, however, several small sample sizes in the selected studies for this meta-analysis, so caution should be used when processing their values. There are more high-quality studies with large sample sizes that should be considered for future meta-analyses.

Two-Stage Offers No Advantages over Single-Stage Arteriovenous Creation: An Analysis of Multicenter National Data

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) involving the basilic vein (BV) have been created in 1 or 2 stages to allow time for the vein to enlarge before superficialization for potential better fistula maturation. Previous single institution studies and meta-analyses have found conflicting outcomes between single-stage and 2-stage procedures. Our study aims to use a large national database to assess the difference in outcomes between single-stage and 2-stage procedures for dialysis access.

METHODS

We studied all patients undergoing BV AVF creation in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) from 2011 to 2021. Patients were split into single-stage or a planned 2-stage procedure for dialysis access. Primary outcomes included dialysis use with index fistula, maturity rate, and number of days from surgery to fistula use. Secondary outcomes included patency (defined by physical exam or imaging on follow-up), 30-day mortality, and postoperative complications (bleeding, steal syndrome, thrombosis, or neuropathy). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between staged dialysis access procedures and primary outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 22,910 individuals of which 7,077 (30.9%) had a 2-staged dialysis access procedure and 15,833 (69.1%) had a single-staged procedure. Average follow-up was 345 days in the single stage and 420 days for 2-stage. Baseline characteristics were significantly different between the 2 groups in terms of medical comorbidities. Primary outcomes were significant for more patients in the 2-stage group undergoing dialysis with the index fistula compared to single stage (31.5% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.0001), significant decrease in days to use in current dialysis patients (103.9 days single stage versus 141.0 days 2-stage, P < 0.0001), and no difference in maturity at follow-up (19.3% single-stage and 17.4% 2-stage, P = 0.354). Secondary outcomes revealed no difference in 30-day mortality or patency (89.8% single-stage and 89.1% 2-stage, P = 0.383), but a significant difference in postoperative complications with a 2-stage procedure compared to 1-stage (1.6% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.026). Finally, a spline model was used to determine that a preoperative vein of 3 mm or less could be a cutoff in which a 2-stage procedure might be beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that when dialysis access fistulas are created using the BV, there is no difference in maturity rate or 1-year patency when assessing single-stage versus 2-stage procedures. However, 2-stage procedures significantly delay the time of first use of the fistula and increase postoperative complications. Therefore, we suggest performing single stage procedures when the vein is of appropriate diameter to minimize multiple procedures, complications and expedite time to maturity.

Review of Patency Rates between One-Stage and Two-Stage Brachial-Basilic Transposition Arteriovenous Fistulae Creation in an Asian Population

Objective: To compare patency rates between one- and two-stage (first-stage arteriovenous anastomosis followed by second-stage superficialization) creation of brachial-basilic transposition arteriovenous fistula (BBT-AVF) in an Asian population.

Methods: A retrospective review of BBT-AVFs was conducted between July 2008 and March 2015. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to evaluate patency.

Results: In total, 103 BBT-AVFs were created in 86 patients (mean age, 61 years; men, 57%). The overall primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months were 70%, 48%, 38%, and 35%; 86%, 70%, 62%, and 59%; and 90%, 77%, 70%, and 63%, respectively. There was no significant difference in demographics and preoperative vessel caliber between the groups. The primary failure rate was 24% in the one-stage group, compared with 21% in the two-stage group (p=0.803). There were no statistically significant differences in primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates between the groups.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in primary failure and patency rates between the two groups. Both one-stage and two-stage procedures conferred good outcomes with overall 12-month primary patency, secondary patency, and primary failure rates of 70%, 90%, and 23%, respectively.

Transposed Brachial-Basilic Arteriovenous Fistula for Vascular Access in Japan

As more than 320,000 patients are currently receiving hemodialysis treatment in Japan, the creation and maintenance of hemodialysis access is a major concern. The national guidelines recommend autogenous arteriovenous hemodialysis, and the brachial-basilic arteriovenous fistula has been the focus of attention, because the need for secondary, tertiary, or even more vascular access is growing. Although favorable results have been reported in terms of patency and access-related complication, this fistula involves various unsolved or controversial issues, with limitations including complex procedures, which might contribute to the lower prevalence at this point in Japan. This review addresses those issues and discusses the role of fistula in Japan.

The Burden of Tunneled Central Venous Catheters for Hemodialysis in a County Hospital

Prolonged use of central venous catheters (CVCs) for hemodialysis (HD) is associated with greater morbidity and mortality when compared with autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). The objective was to assess compliance with CVC guidelines in adults referred for hemoaccess at a county teaching hospital. Out of 256 patients, 172 (67.2%) were male, with a mean age of 50.0 ± 12.4 years. Overall 62.5 per cent initiated dialysis via CVC. Patients were divided into two groups (those with CVC (62.5%) and those without (37.5%)). Male gender was associated with initiation of dialysis via CVC versus no CVC (72.5 vs 58.3%, P = 0.02), as was a history of prior vascular access (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding age, diabetes, smoking, ambulatory status, or insurance status. There were no differences in gender, age, insurance status, or prior vascular access between prolonged CVC use (≥90 days) and short-term CVC use (<90 days). We conclude that most patients initiated HD with CVC and exceed the recommended CVC duration. Men are more likely to initiate HD via CVC. Insurance status was not associated with CVC use. Multidisciplinary action may address barriers to reducing CVC duration.

Surgical Approach to Hemodialysis Access

With the increasing incidence of end-stage renal disease, hemodialysis vascular access presents an ongoing struggle, and a multidisciplinary approach must be considered to provide long-term durable access for patients on chronic hemodialysis. Surgeons must be very thoughtful in planning the steps of access for these patients and consider fistula first and catheter last, without forgetting that prosthetic grafts may be a legitimate first option for patients. This article provides a review of surgical management of dialysis access, including primary access options and follow-up of this difficult patient population.

Transposition of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulae: improving the cosmetic effect without compromising patency

Introduction Subjects who undergo haemodialysis are living longer, which necessitates increasingly complex procedures for formation of arteriovenous fistulas. Basilic veins provide valuable additional venous 'real estate' but surgical transposition of vessels is required, which required a cosmetically disfiguring incision. A minimally invasive transposition method provides an excellent aesthetic alternative without compromised outcomes. Methods A retrospective review was made of minimally invasive brachiobasilic fistula transpositions (using two short incisions of <4 cm) between February 2005 and July 2011. Primary endpoints were one-year patency as well as the perioperative and late complications of the procedure. Results Thirty-one patients underwent 32 transposition procedures (eight pre-dialysis cases; 24 haemodialysis patients). All patients were treated with a minimally invasive method. Thirty-one procedures resulted in primary patency, with the single failure refashioned successfully. The only indication for a more invasive approach was intraoperative complications (two haematomas). All other complications presented late and were amenable to intervention (one aneurysm, one peri-anastomotic stricture). Conclusion Formation of arteriovenous fistulae using minimally invasive methods is a novel approach that ensures fistula patency with improved aesthetic outcomes and without significant morbidity.

Review of transposed basilic vein access for hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

There is ongoing debate about the use of transposed basilic vein (TBV) fistula and the choice between it and prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG). This paper reviews the available literature relating to TBV fistula in terms of surgical technique, patency rates, complications, access survival and compares it with prosthetic AVG for hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

Review of English language publications on TBV during the last two decades.

FINDINGS

The rate of fistula maturation was higher in the two-stage group, although the mean diameter of the basilic vein was smaller. Dialysis via central venous catheters at time of surgery was most prevalent in patients undergoing staged procedures—14% in one-stage TBV and 43% in two-stage TBV. Several authors report 1-year cumulative patency rate of 47% to 96% and 59% to 90% for TBV and AVG, respectively. TBV provides a more cost-effective option and should be considered the next choice when primary autogenous fistulae are not possible, whereas AVGs are easier to create, can be punctured earlier and have a greater reintervention rate if the access fails.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis shows that TBV has several advantages over AVG and provides a valuable access for HD but raises the need for a comparative trial between TBV and the newer generation AVGs. There is no clear superiority of the one-stage over the two-stage procedure.

Higher Patency of Transposed Brachio-Basilic Arteriovenous Fistulas Compared to Brachio-Axillary Grafts for Hemodialysis Patients

Purpose

We compared outcomes of transposed brachio-basilic arteriovenous fistulas (BBAVF) with brachio-axillary prosthetic grafts (BAPG) for hemodialysis.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent creation of a BBAVF or a BAPG, in one of the two institutions, between January 2008 and December 2013 were retrospectively identified. We assessed functional patency and compared complication rates. Patency was also compared between one-stage and two-stage creation procedures for the BBAVF group.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent the creation of a BBAVF (N = 136) or a BAPG (N = 102). Median follow-up was 17 months (range, 1-79). At 6, 12 and 24 months, patients in the BBAVF group had significantly higher primary patency (80%, 69%, 56% vs. 77%, 56%, 37%, respectively; p = 0.005), assisted primary patency (90%, 80%, 71% vs. 80%, 66%, 48%; p<0.0001) and secondary patency (93%, 84%, 72% vs. 94%, 87%, 62%; p = 0.006). Two-stage BBAVF had a significantly higher secondary patency (98%, 92%, 78% vs. 90%, 80%, 68%; p = 0.04) than one-stage BBAVF. The rate of infectious complications was significantly lower in the BBAVF group than in the BAPG group (0.8% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In this large cohort, BBAVF had a higher functional patency and lower rate of infectious complications than BAPG. After exhaustion of cephalic veins, we suggest creation of a BBAVF instead of BAPG, whenever anatomically feasible. The superiority of one-stage or two-stage BBAVF creation procedure must be further investigated.

A comparison between one-stage and two-stage procedures for the creation of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas

INTRODUCTION

Vascular access is essential to end-stage renal failure patients requiring haemodialysis. Many patients require multiple fistula formation attempts in order to gain good access, making secondary and tertiary fistula options vital. Brachiobasilic fistulas are well established, but there is little evidence to compare the different surgical techniques in creating them. This study aimed to determine the patency and complication rates associated with these procedures.

METHODS

Retrospective data was collected by reviewing case notes to determine fistula survival time and surgical setting. Patency, complications and required interventions were recorded for each group at three time intervals. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival for each cohort.

RESULTS

37 brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas were created in 35 patients. 17 fistulas were one-stage procedures; 20 fistulas were made in two stages. Survival proportions were measured as 70.6%, 58.8% and 51.5% for the one-stage procedure and 95%, 90% and 78% for the two-stage procedure at 1 month, 1 year and 2 years respectively with p = 0.0385.

DISCUSSION

Native brachiobasilic fistulas have advantages over prosthetic grafts. There are technical aspects which make the two-staged procedure preferable, including being more amenable to a day case surgery setting. Despite this, there is a lack of relative outcome differences in the literature, thus necessitating further work.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests creation of brachiobasilic fistulas using a two-staged procedure may result in improved patency rates. Complication rates were found to be statistically equivocal, with fistuloplasties and embolectomy shown to be effective in fistula salvage.

Early use of brachial-basilic arteriovenous fistula

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term patency rate and complications associated with the use of the BBAVF in the early period.

METHODS

The records of all patients undergoing BBAVFs for hemodialysis access between June 2001 and June 2011 were retrospectively evaluated. We allowed the use of the BBAVF beginning two weeks after the fistula creation. The primary and secondary patencies were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 44 BBAVFs were created for 41 patients. Most (73.2%) of the patients had previously been on hemodialysis. A previous history of AVG creation was noted in 36.6% and previous insertion of a catheter was reported for 72.7% of the patients, respectively. The mean time to the first cannulation of the BBAVF was 18.8 days (13-42 days). In two cases, the BBAVFs were not used. Postoperative complications were noted in 2 cases, and included prolonged arm edema and thrombosis. There was no infection of the wound or steal syndrome. The primary and secondary patency rates were 68.1% and 84.2% at 1 year, 55.0% and 80.7% at 2 years, and 38.1% and 70.1% at 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the patency rates following the early use of the BBAVFs were not inferior to the previously reported patency rates in the literature. In cases where the patients already have an inserted central catheter, the early use of the BBAVFs decreases the complications associated with catheters.