Outcomes of balloon-assisted maturation with large-diameter balloons.

Objectives: Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) is a well-established technique for maturation of inadequate arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes of initial BAM using large-diameter angioplasty balloons.

Methods: Charts of patients who underwent BAM between 2018 and 2021 at a single academic institution were reviewed.

Sex Disparities in Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation Outcomes.

Background: The end-stage kidney disease life-plan aims to individualize hemodialysis (HD) access selection in patients requiring renal replacement therapy. Paucity of data on risk factors for poor arteriovenous fistula (AVF) outcomes limits the ability of physicians to guide their patients on this decision. This is especially true for female patients, who are known to have worse AVF outcomes when compared to male patients.

Early Follow-Up after Arteriovenous Fistula Creation is Associated with Improved Access-Related Outcomes.

Background: Up to 60% of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) require intervention to assist maturation, which prolongs the time until it can be used for hemodialysis (HD). Current guidelines recommend early postoperative AVF examination to detect and address immaturity to decrease time to maturation. This study evaluates how the timing of postoperative follow-up to assess AVF maturity affects patients' outcomes.

Transradial access for balloon-assisted maturation of arteriovenous fistulas.

Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) of arteriovenous fistulas has conventionally been performed via direct fistula access. The transradial approach has not been well described for BAM, although its use has been reported throughout the cardiology literature. The purpose of the present study was to assess the outcomes of transradial access for its use with BAM.

Intraoperative vascular mapping improves patient eligibility for arteriovenous fistula creation.

Background: We assessed the utility of intraoperative vein mapping performed by the operating surgeon for evaluating vessel suitability for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation.

Methods: In a retrospective review of 222 AVFs, vein diameter measurements were compared between intraoperative and preoperative mapping in the same anatomical location. AVF creation was based on intraoperative vein diameter ≥2 mm, using a distal to proximal and superficial veins first approach.

The effect of nutrition on stroke risk: A systematic review.

An estimated 33% reduction in cardiovascular events can be achieved when incorporating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, poultry, nuts, and vegetable oils in the diet along with reduced consumption of refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and sugar sweetened beverages. We performed a systematic review to analyze the impact of nutritional intervention on stroke risk, as there is no current consensus concerning dietary recommendation for primary and secondary stroke prevention. A literature search of the PubMed database from January 2010 to June 2020 was performed using combinations of the following search terms: carotid disease, carotid artery disease, carotid stenosis, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), diet, nutrition, micronutrition, embolic stroke, and stroke.

Knowledge gaps in surgical management for aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection (AD) is recognized as a potentially fatal condition and its standard treatment has been surgical intervention for acute type A AD (TAAD) and complicated acute type B AD (TBAD), and medical management for uncomplicated acute type B AD. Due to rapidly evolving device technologies and minimally invasive surgical techniques that have lowered perioperative risk, there are paradigm shifts for the indications and treatment options for both TAAD and TBAD. In this article, we will discuss the current indications and treatment options for TAAD and TBAD by chronicity of the disease, which comprises four categories: acute TAAD, chronic (repaired) TAAD, acute TBAD, and chronic TBAD.