To BAM or not to BAM?: A closer look at balloon-assisted maturation.

Background: Balloon assisted maturation (BAM) is a recent, innovative, yet controversial method for developing autogenous arterio-venous fistulae (AVF), with little supportive data. Few retrospective studies have addressed the efficacy of BAM and cofactors affecting successful maturation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our vascular access database to compare possible factors associated with a successful BAM, as determined by increase in volume flow of the fistulae.

Screening for carotid artery stenosis and renal artery stenosis in patients undergoing tunneled cuffed hemodialysis catheter placement.

In this study, we noted the common risk factors with atherosclerosis and chronic renal disease. We, therefore, hypothesized that the placement of a dialysis catheter would be a useful marker in identifying populations at increased risk of vascular disease (carotid, renal, and aortic). To further explore this issue, we examined the results of duplex scanning of the carotid arteries and aortorenal arteries in patients undergoing dialysis catheter placement.