Comparisons of clinical outcomes for thrombectomy devices with different mechanisms in hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas.

Objectives: To compare clinical outcomes between mechanical thrombectomy devices with hydrodynamic mechanism and rotational mechanism.

Background: A number of advantages and concerns have been raised for different mechanical devices but the comparisons of clinical outcomes are absent, especially for the treatment of autogenous hemodialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistulas.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 275 percutaneous thrombectomy procedures in AV fistulas.

Coexistence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare idiosyncratic disorder characterized by muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction, and altered consciousness. Although the incidence of NMS is low, it may be fatal if early recognition is delayed. There are a variety of precipitating factors for NMS including systemic illness and dehydration.

Baseline plasma glycemic profiles but not inflammatory biomarkers predict symptomatic restenosis after angioplasty of arteriovenous fistulas in patients with hemodialysis.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of atherosclerosis risk factors and baseline inflammatory status in the development of restenosis after successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of hemodialysis arteriovenous (AV) fistulas.

Research Design And Methods: We obtained baseline plasma biochemistry and inflammatory markers in 140 patients with dysfunctional AV fistulas before the PTA procedures. Patients were followed clinically for 6 months.

Radial artery approach for endovascular salvage of occluded autogenous radial-cephalic fistulae.

Background: The endovascular salvage of occluded autogenous radial-cephalic fistulae is a more challenging procedure than that for stenotic fistulae. To obtain an access to the fistula is one of the keys to success. Both retrograde venous approach and brachial artery approach have some disadvantages.

Plasma ADMA predicts restenosis of arteriovenous fistula.

Plasma levels of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide production, correlate with endothelial dysfunction and the development of cardiovascular events in patients with uremia. It is not known whether endothelial dysfunction contributes to the dysfunction of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in hemodialysis patients. Here, we studied the predictive value of baseline plasma ADMA for symptomatic restenosis of an AVF after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in dialysis patients.

Comparison of cutting balloon versus high-pressure balloon angioplasty for resistant venous stenoses of native hemodialysis fistulas.

Purpose: To compare the technical success, safety, and patency of cutting balloon angioplasty versus high-pressure balloon angioplasty in the treatment of resistant native hemodialysis fistula stenoses.

Materials And Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 1,220 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures performed to treat dysfunctional native hemodialysis fistulas. Seventy patients with stenoses resistant to conventional balloon angioplasty (up to 24 atm) were included in this study: 35 patients underwent cutting balloon angioplasty from September 2003 through February 2005, and 35 patients underwent high-pressure balloon angioplasty from March 2005 through April 2006.

Cutting balloon angioplasty for resistant venous stenoses of dialysis access: immediate and patency results.

Objectives: To evaluate the technical success, safety and patency of cutting balloon angioplasty for the treatment of resistant dialysis access stenoses.

Background: Cutting balloon angioplasty has been proposed to be useful in treating resistant dialysis access stenoses. However, they are based on experience with very limited cases and formal patency data is insufficient.