Experimental study of hemodynamics in procedures to treat access-related ischemia.

Objective: This experimental study investigated the hemodynamic effect of corrective procedures for arteriovenous access-related ischemia in pulsatile flow.

Methods: Silicone models of an emulated tapered and bifurcated arterial tree of the upper arm and forearm were integrated into a pulsatile flow circuit. The model allowed the study of hemodynamics of simulated arteriovenous fistulas, including collateral circulation, as well as the study of different simulated procedures to improve distal hypoperfusion.