Ulnobasilic Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis

Kim, Ji Hye; Jung, Yeon Soon; Rim, Hark; Yoo, Chang Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although native radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula provides the best possible vascular access for hemodialysis, available veins for this fistula are limited. Ulnobasilic arteriovenous fistula (UBF) is alternative method for native fistula of forearm. But this method is not commonly used because detection of the vein is difficult and cannulation for hemodialysis id uncomfortable. This study was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness of UBF.
METHODS
From June 1999 to April 2000 and from September 2001 to February 2002, 256 arteriovenous fistulae were made in 239 patients with chronic renal failure and among them, 26 UBF were made by one surgeon. At April 2002, a total of 26 UBF were reviewed.
RESULTS
The results were as follows : There were 17 men and 9 women, aged 31 to 72 years. There were 7 diabetic patients. 22 patients of them had previous history of arteriovenous fistula operation. There were six failures : one delayed occlusion; one venous hypertension due to proximal stenosis during hemodialysis; four inadequate maturation. The 20 patients showed good patency.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that UBF can be useful method in patients with failed radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula or poor cephalic vein and preserve upper arm vein for future operation.