Comparison of one-stage and two-stage upper arm brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula in the Vascular Quality Initiative

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.

Is the Two-Stage Construction Approach Better for Maturation and Long-term Patency of the Transposed Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistulas?

The transposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula is often constructed by employing a two-stage procedure for better maturation and long-term patency, but its validity on overall outcomes remains controversial. A single-center's experience is presented herein, comparing one- and two-stage approaches on 229 consecutive first-time arteriovenous access constructed in the upper arm with a loop configuration and an obtuse anastomosis angle that provide favorable flow dynamics. The one- and two-year patency rates were equivalent between the two approaches, but the fistula rate was greater and the maturation time was shorter with the one-stage procedure.

Transposition of brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas: One-stage or two-stage technique and factors affecting the early maturation

The brachiobasilic transposition (BBT) arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a valuable option especially for dialysis patients with previously failed vascular access. We aim to report factors affecting the maturation of BBT-AVF created with either one-stage or two-stage technique. BBT-AVF procedures between January 2015 and May 2019 by a dedicated vascular access team were investigated retrospectively. A total of 122 patients (63 males, 59 females), with 6 to 12 weeks of follow-up after the BBT-AVF procedure were included in the study. Patients of one-stage and two-stage techniques were compared for maturation rates. Patients with successful and failed maturation were compared for baseline characteristics and anatomic factors. Of 122 BBT-AVF procedures, 54 were created with the one-stage and 68 were created with the two-stage technique. The mean age of the patients was 58.2 ± 13.8, the mean brachial artery and basilic vein diameters were 3.91 ± 1.02 mm, and 3.39 ± 1.16 mm. Of 122 included patients, 88 (72.1%) had mature AVFs at follow-up. The AVF maturation rates were similar between the one- and two-stage groups (70.4% vs 73.5%; P = .699). Lower age (62.8 ± 12.5 vs 56.5 ± 13.9; P = .023) and greater brachial artery diameter (3.09 ± 0.84 mm vs 4.23 ± 1.76 mm; P < .048) were the only factors affecting the AVF maturation in univariate analysis. Gender, extremity side, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and targeted vein diameter were not found to affect the AVF maturation (P = .301, P = .084, P = .134, P = .858, P = .127). Target artery diameter (P = .049) was the only significant factor affecting BBT-AVF maturation in multivariate analysis. One-stage and two-stage BBT-AVFs are similar in terms of maturation rates. Targeted artery diameter was the only factor important in BBT-AVF maturation in our study group. The two-stage technique can be preferred considering smaller incision size and lower complication rate in patients with suitable anatomy.

Comparing Outcomes of Upper Extremity Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistulas and Arteriovenous Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

It is unclear what the optimal upper extremity hemodialysis access is for patients without a suitable cephalic vein for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes for upper extremity transposed brachiobasilic AVFs (BBAVFs) and prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs).

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify all English publications and abstracts comparing the patency outcomes of upper extremity BBAVFs and AVGs (January 1st, 1994 to April 1st, 2020). The outcomes assessed were 1-year and 2-year primary and secondary patency rates. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using the random-effects model, and I² statistic was used to assess between-study variability.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies examining 2799 patients were identified and included in the study. The 1-year primary patency rates (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.24-2.28, p = 0.001, I² = 69.40%) and 2-year primary patency rates (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.59-3.43, p < 0.001, I² = 68.26%) were significantly better for BBAVFs than AVGs. Compared to AVGs, the 1-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-1.98, p = 0.022, I² = 56.64%) and 2-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.39-2.68, p < 0.001, I² = 57.61%) were also significantly higher for BBAVFs.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes for upper extremity BBAVFs appear to be consistently superior to prosthetic hemodialysis access. This analysis supports the preferential placement of BBAVFs over AVGs in patients with a suitable upper extremity basilic vein.

Upper Arm Arteriovenous Grafts are Superior over Forearm Arteriovenous Grafts in Upper Extremity Dialysis Access

BACKGROUND

In this study, we compared the outcomes of forearm arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) and upper arm AVGs in a large, prospectively collected data set, which represents real-world experience with upper extremity prosthetic dialysis access, to determine if there are clinically significant differences in the upper arm and forearm positions.

METHODS

We identified 2,063 patients who received upper extremity AVGs within the Vascular Quality Initiative data set (2010-2018). Axillary to axillary upper arm AVGs were excluded (n = 394) from the analysis. The main outcome measures were primary and secondary patency rates at 12 months. Other outcomes were 6-month wound infection, steal syndrome, and arm swelling. The log-rank test was used to evaluate patency loss using a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine adjusted association between locations (forearm and upper arm) and outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 1,160 forearm AVGs and 509 upper arm brachial artery AVGs in the study cohort. Patients with forearm AVGs were more likely to have a body mass index > 30 (45% vs. 38%, P = 0.013), no history of previous access (73% vs. 63%, P < 0.001), and underwent local-regional anesthesia (56% vs. 43%, P < 0.001). The 12-month primary patency (51.5% vs. 62.9%, P < 0.001) and secondary patency (76.4% vs. 89.1%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower for forearm AVGs. Wound infection, steal syndrome, and arm swelling were similar between forearm AVGs and upper arm AVGs at the 6-month follow-up. In multivariable analysis, the primary patency loss (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-2.01, P < 0.001) and 12-month secondary patency loss (aHR 2.71, 95% CI 1.84-3.98, P < 0.001) were significantly higher for forearm AVGs at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

From this observational study of the Vascular Quality Initiative data set, the primary and secondary patency rates were superior for upper arm brachial artery AVGs compared with forearm AVGs.

Single-stage basilic vein transposition-An effective and viable autogenous access for dialysis

INTRODUCTION

The National Kidney Foundation's/Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommends autogenous arteriovenous fistulas as the preferred method for long-term hemodialysis access. Basilic vein transposition is not only an alternative in patients with failed arteriovenous access but also can be the first option for arteriovenous access in patients with inadequate cephalic vein. Several studies have shown better patency rates, cost-effectiveness, and fewer complications of autogenous access over prosthetic arteriovenous grafts.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze patency, complication rates, and outcomes of single-stage basilic vein transposition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective non-randomized study conducted at Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bangalore from July 2015 to June 2018. A total of 94 consented patients who underwent single-stage basilic vein transposition were included in the study. All the surgeries were done in a single stage under regional anesthesia. All the complications and patency rates were calculated at the end of one year. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, and patency rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meir survival curve.

RESULTS

A total of 94 single-stage basilic vein transposition was performed. Fifty-four patients had a previous failed autogenous access and 40 had either absent or thrombosed cephalic vein. The mean age was 56.6 years with 59.57% males. The mean basilic vein and brachial artery diameter was 3.6 and 3.8 mm, respectively. The primary patency rate at one year was 84%. Edema and thrombosis were the most common complication in our study.

CONCLUSION

Single-stage basilic vein transposition is a feasible surgical option in end-stage renal disease patients and provides durable autogenous access with very reasonable outcomes in terms of complication rates and patency rates.