Korean J Nephrol.  2005 Nov;24(6):1023-1026.

Delayed Maturation of Arteriovenous Fistula due to Radial Artery Obstruction in a Patient Receiving Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula

• Oh SS
• Kim YO
• Kim ES
• Jang EC
• Kim GS
• Weon YD
• Kim YS
• Yoon SA
• Chang YS

Abstract

Although radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the method of choice for hemodialysis (HD) vascular access, it continues to have a high incidence of early failure due to delayed or failed venous maturation. Here we report an unusual case of delayed maturation of AVF due to radial artery obstruction in a patient receiving radiocephalic AVF. A 53-year-old woman had received radiocephalic AVF operation for hemodialysis. Venous maturation of the AVF did not occur 2 months after the operation. Fistulography via brachial artery approach demonstrated non- visualization of radial artery, anastomosis of radial side of palmar arch and cephalic vein and mild stenosis of the anastomosis site at left wrist area. We thought that we could not use the AVF for HD due to inadequate arterial blood flow and decided to make new vascular access. The patient received brachial-basilic AVF operation again. Adequate maturation of the AVF was successfully made 1 month after the operation. Therefore, we think that radial artery obstruction may be a possible cause of delayed maturation of AVF.

Keyword

Radial artery obstruction; Arteriovenous fistula; Hemodialysis

MeSH Terms

Arteriovenous Fistula*
Brachial Artery
Constriction, Pathologic
Female
Humans
Incidence
Middle Aged
Radial Artery*
Renal Dialysis
Veins
Wrist