Arterial stiffness alone does not explain arteriovenous fistula outcomes.

Introduction: Marked arterial adaptation is critical in permitting and sustaining the increased blood flow within an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate markers of arterial disease and their association with the early post-operative AVF outcomes.

Methods: We included all patients in whom an AVF had been performed after enrolment to the Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) study.

Systematic review of drug eluting balloon angioplasty for arteriovenous haemodialysis access stenosis.

Background: Native or prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are preferred for permanent haemodialysis (HD) access. These are marked with circuit steno-occlusive disease leading to dysfunction or even failure. Late failure rates have been reported as high as 50%.

Revisiting the risks of MRI with Gadolinium based contrast agents-review of literature and guidelines.

Unlabelled: Gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) have been linked to the occurrence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in renal impaired patients. The exact interaction between the various different available formulations and occurrence of NSF is not completely understood, but has been postulated. This association has triggered public health advisory bodies to issue guidelines and best practice recommendations on its use.

Current tools for prediction of arteriovenous fistula outcomes.

It remains challenging to accurately predict whether an individual arteriovenous fistula (AVF) will mature and be useable for haemodialysis vascular access. Current best practice involves the use of routine clinical assessment and ultrasonography complemented by selective venography and magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this literature review is to describe current practices in relation to pre-operative assessment prior to AVF formation and highlight potential areas for future research to improve the clinical prediction of AVF outcomes.

Patient survival following arteriovenous fistula formation.

Purpose: Efforts to promote arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) have been successful in increasing the prevalence of AVF use as the primary vascular access for haemodialysis (HD). Sustained preference for AVF use may not be the most appropriate vascular access choice for all patient groups. Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) offer advantages of earlier use and lower primary failure rates compared to AVFs so may be preferable for patients where short-term vascular access is needed.

Preserving arteriovenous fistula outcomes during surgical training.

Purpose: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are the preferred option for vascular access, as they are associated with lower mortality in hemodialysis patients than in those patients with arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) or central venous catheters (CVCs). We sought to assess whether vascular access outcomes for surgical trainees are comparable to fully trained surgeons.

Methods: A prospectively collected database of patients was created and information recorded regarding patient demographics, past medical history, preoperative investigations, grade of operating surgeon, type of AVF formed, primary AVF function, cumulative AVF survival and functional patency.

Arteriovenous fistula aneurysms in patients with Alport's.

Purpose: Alport's syndrome is a rare but important cause of renal failure. It is characterized by Type IV collagen mutations resulting in connective tissue disorders and renal and cochlear dysfunction. Vascular basement membrane also contains collagen IV and the effect on arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is not reported.