UNASSIGNED: To evaluate the effects of the multiple single cannulation technique (MUST) on the outcomes of arteriovenous graft (AVG).
UNASSIGNED: A retrospective study of AVG created between January 2018 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was conducted. The clinical data of patients and their follow-up data for venous access were analyzed. Subjects were divided into the MUST group or the non-MUST group according to whether MUST was used. The cumulative patency rate and complication incidence were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of applying MUST in AVG.
UNASSIGNED: The MUST group included 115 AVG and the non-MUST group, 122 AVG. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year cumulative patency rates of the MUST group were 100%, 99.1%, 95.2%, 85.4%, and 73.2%, respectively, while those for the non-MUST group were 97.5%, 92.7%, 77.7%, 69.7%, and 50.0%, respectively, with the 2-year and 3-year patency rates showing significant difference (P=0.022, P=0.004). The standard intervention rate expressed in (median [interquartile range]) in the MUST group was significantly lower than that in the non-MUST group (0.46 [0.00, 0.94] vs. 0.97 [0.60, 1.59], Z=-5.808, P<0.001). A total of 24 (20.9%) AVG in the MUST group and 60 (49.2%) AVG in the non-MUST group had a standard intervention rate >1.0 per patient-year, with significant difference between the two groups. Three (2.6%) AVG in the MUST group and 7 (5.7%) AVG in the non-MUST group were complicated by aneurysm (χ 2=20.737, P<0.001). One (0.9%) AVG in the MUST group and 6 (4.9%) AVG in the non-MUST group had graft infection, with the difference between the groups showing no significance (P=0.121). Multivariate logistic regression showed that dialysis in the alliance facilities (odds ratio [OR]=2.713, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.698-4.336, P<0.001], and excellent follow-up [OR=2.189, 95% CI: 1.221-3.927, P=0.009] were the influencing factors of applying MUST in AVG.
UNASSIGNED: MUST improves the cumulative patency of AVG and decreases the intervention frequency and the incidence of aneurysm without increasing the risk of graft infection.

Currently, three expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthetic graft types are most commonly used for patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who require long-term vascular access for hemodialysis. However, studies comparing the three ePTFE grafts are limited. This study compared the clinical efficacy and postoperative complications of three ePTFE prosthetic graft types used for upper limb arteriovenous graft (AVG) surgery among patients with ESKD. Patients with ESKD requiring upper limb AVG surgery admitted to our center between January 2016 and September 2019 were enrolled. Overall, 282 patients who completed the 2-year follow-up were included and classified into the following three groups according to the ePTFE graft type: the GPVG group with the PROPATEN® graft, the GAVG group with the straight-type GORE® ACUSEAL, and the BVVG group with the VENAFLO® II. The patency rate and incidence of access-related complications were analyzed and compared between groups. The patients were followed up postoperatively, and data were collected at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Respective to these follow-up time points, in the GPVG group, the primary patency rates were 74.29%, 65.71%, 51.43%, and 42.86%; the assisted primary patency rates were 85.71%, 74.29%, 60.00%, and 48.57%; and the secondary patency rates were 85.71%, 80.00%, 71.43%, and 60.00%. In the GAVG group, the primary patency rates were 73.03%, 53.93%, 59.42%, and 38.20%; the assisted primary patency rates were 83.15%, 68.54%, 59.55%, and 53.93%; and the secondary patency rates were 85.39%, 77.53%, 68.54%, and 62.92%, respectively. In the BVVG group, the primary patency rates were 67.24%, 53.45%, 41.38%, and 29.31%; the assisted primary patency rates were 84.48%, 67.24%, 55.17%, and 44.83%; and the secondary patency rates were 86.21%, 81.03%, 68.97%, and 60.34%, respectively. The differences in patency rates across the three grafts were not statistically significant. Overall, 18, 4, and 12 patients in the GPVG, GAVG, and BVVG groups, respectively, experienced seroma. Among the three grafts, GORE® ACUSEAL had the shortest anastomosis hemostatic time. The first cannulation times for the three grafts were GPVG at 16 (±8.2), GAVG at 4 (±4.9), and BVVG at 18 (±12.7) days. No significant difference was found in the postoperative swelling rate between the GPVG group and the other two groups. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found across the three graft types regarding postoperative vascular access stenosis and thrombosis, ischemic steal syndrome, pseudoaneurysm, or infection. In conclusion, no statistically significant differences in the postoperative primary, assisted primary, or secondary graft patency rates were observed among the three groups. A shorter anastomosis hemostatic time, first cannulation time, and seroma occurrence were observed with the ACUSEAL® graft than with its counterparts. The incidence of upper extremity swelling postoperatively was greater with the PROPATEN® graft than with the other grafts. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three grafts regarding the remaining complications.

We report an autopsy of a death due to a ruptured infected pseudoaneurysm; a man in his 70s was found dead with massive bleeding from the shunt of his right arm. Autopsy and pathological examination revealed that the cause of death was hemorrhagic shock due to rupture of an infected pseudoaneurysm. Ruptured aneurysms and pseudoaneurysm are a complication of dialysis, and death is rare because they are treated immediately on discovery. However, these ruptures often occur in non-medical facilities and could result in death if the patient does not have knowledge of first aid. Thus, patient education is important. Approximately only half of the deaths due to massive bleeding from a shunt are autopsied. In Japan, autopsies or partial autopsies are considered necessary to determine whether a bleeding was traumatic and to prevent medical errors from being overlooked.

暂无摘要。

Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) have emerged as the preferred option for constructing hemodialysis access in numerous patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated that decellularized vascular graft exhibits superior patency and excellent biocompatibility compared to polymer materials; however, it still faces challenges such as intimal hyperplasia and luminal dilation. The absence of suitable animal models hinders our ability to describe and explain the pathological phenomena above and in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular graft at the molecular level. In this study, we first collected clinical samples from patients who underwent the construction of dialysis access using allogeneic decellularized vascular graft, and evaluated their histological features and immune cell infiltration status 5 years post-transplantation. Prior to the surgery, we assessed the patency and intimal hyperplasia of the decellularized vascular graft using non-invasive ultrasound. Subsequently, in order to investigate the in vivo adaptation of decellularized vascular grafts in an animal model, we attempted to construct an AVG model using decellularized vascular grafts in a small animal model. We employed a physical-chemical-biological approach to decellularize the rat carotid artery, and histological evaluation demonstrated the successful removal of cellular and antigenic components while preserving extracellular matrix constituents such as elastic fibers and collagen fibers. Based on these results, we designed and constructed the first allogeneic decellularized rat carotid artery AVG model, which exhibited excellent patency and closely resembled clinical characteristics. Using this animal model, we provided a preliminary description of the histological features and partial immune cell infiltration in decellularized vascular grafts at various time points, including Day 7, Day 21, Day 42, and up to one-year post-implantation. These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular grafts in small animal model.

OBJECTIVE: After forearm and arm cephalic veins are no longer available as options, the choices of arm vascular access between one-staged brachial-basilic vein transposition (BBAVF) and arm straight arteriovenous graft (AS-AVG) for hemodialysis are controversial. This study aims to compare outcomes between groups.
METHODS: All one-staged BBAVF and AS-AVG from August 2014 to December 2019 were reviewed. In cases of suitable basilic vein of 3 mm or more present from cubital crease to axilla, one-staged BBAVF was preferred. AS-AVG was performed for patients who need timely functioning access or have no suitable basilic vein.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight one-staged BBAVF and 74 AS-AVG were included. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different, except AS-AVG had less previous ipsilateral access (9% vs 39%; p < .001). Postoperative complications were not different. With six loss follow-ups (3 in BBAVF and 3 in AS-AVG), 24 (96%) and 64 (90%) matured after one-staged BBAVF and AS-AVG, respectively (p = .676). BBAVF took about 30 days (95% CI: 10, 51) longer time to first successful cannulation. Primary patency was significantly better for one-staged BBAVF (hazard ratio (HR) of 3.0 (95%CI: 1.2, 7.7)), whereas secondary patency was not different. The total access failure (i.e. failure to mature combined with any thrombosis or intervention to maintain patency) significantly favored BBAVF (HR 2.7 (95%CI: 1.1, 6.6)).
CONCLUSIONS: Provided a suitable arm basilic vein is available, one-staged BBAVF is preferred over AS-AVG when forearm AVF, forearm AVG, and arm cephalic veins are out. However, it requires a longer time to start cannulating than AS-AVG.

OBJECTIVE: Some studies suggest that regional anesthesia provides better patency for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis access as compared to local and general anesthesia. This study evaluates the impact of anesthetic modality on long term fistula function at 12 months.
METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing cephalic vein-based hemodialysis access in consecutive cases between 2014 and 2019 was conducted from five safety net hospitals. The primary endpoint was functional patency at 12 months. Subset analysis individually evaluated cephalic-based lower forearm and wrist vs upper arm AVFs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between anesthetic modality and fistula function at 12 months.
RESULTS: There were 818 cephalic-based fistulas created during the study period. The overall 12-month functional patency rate was 78.7%, including an 81.3% patency for upper arm AVF and 73.3% for wrist AVF (P = .009). There was no statistically significant difference among patients with functional and nonfunctional AVFs at 12 months with respect to anesthetic modality when comparing regional, local, and general anesthesia (P = .343). Multivariate regression analysis identified that history of AVF/arteriovenous graft (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; P = .007), receiving intraoperative systemic anticoagulation (OR, 2.49; P < .001), and vein diameter (OR, 1.85; P = .039) as independently associated with AVF functional patency at 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between anesthetic modality and functional patency of cephalic-based AVFs at 12 months. Further studies are needed to better define which patients may benefit from regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulas and grafts are lifelines for most hemodialysis patients, and a low access flow rate often requires patency-related intervention, such as angioplasty or thrombectomy, to prevent access failure. We examined whether early access flow rate, measured after initial fistula/graft cannulation, predicts vascular access patency-related intervention within 1 year.
METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Among 172 patients undergoing surgical creation of a fistula/graft, 52 (30.2%) had documented access flow rates measurement by the Transonic™ ultrasound dilution technique, performed within an average of 48 days from initial access cannulation. The need for a patency-related intervention, defined as undergoing a fistulogram, angioplasty, thrombectomy, or surgical revision, was ascertained within 1 year. A receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was generated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of first and average access flow rates for predicting patency-related intervention within 1 year.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight (53.8%) of the 52 study subjects required a patency-related intervention within 1 year. Their characteristics were not significantly different from those who did not require patency-related interventions. However, first access flow rates were significantly lower in patients requiring patency-related intervention compared to those who did not (898 vs. 1471 mL/min; p = 0.003), as were average access flow rates (841 vs. 1506 mL/min; p < 0.001). The ROC analyses revealed that first access flow rates and average access flow rates predicted the need for patency-related intervention within 1 year, with an area under-the-ROC curve of 0.743 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.608, 0.877) and 0.775 (95% CI 0.648, 0.903), respectively, demonstrating acceptable discrimination.
CONCLUSIONS: In adults undergoing hemodialysis, early access flow rate measurement can predict patency-related intervention within 1 year after initial vascular access cannulation. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings and identify optimal access flow rate cut-off values to predict vascular accesses at higher risk of stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of the transjugular approach in endovascular recanalization of a thrombosed straight arteriovenous graft (AVG) compared to those of the direct hemodialysis access approach (conventional approach).
METHODS: We retrospectively assessed patients who underwent aspiration thrombectomy and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for thrombosed straight AVG performed at a single institution between October 2006 and October 2021. A total of 138 thrombosed AVGs in 83 patients (39 male and 44 females) were divided into the transjugular approach group (Group A) and the conventional approach group (Group B). Technical and clinical success, postintervention primary patency, cumulative patency, and periprocedural complications were compared.
RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in demographic data between groups A and B. The technical success rate of group A and B was 96.4% (80/83) and 98.2% 54/55, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean procedure time was 61.4 min (Group A) and 70.5 min (Group B) (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in postintervention primary patency. The cumulative patency of Groups A and B was 911.9 days (range 122-6277) and 1062.3 days (range 72-2302 days), respectively (p > 0.05). One patient in Group B experienced a major graft rupture. Pseudoaneurysm formation at the sheath insertion site occurred in two patients in Group B. No cases of stenosis or thrombosis of the IJV or hematoma at the puncture site were observed in Group A.
CONCLUSIONS: The transjugular approach is as safe and effective as the conventional approach for aspiration thrombectomy and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of thrombosed straight AVGs.

UNASSIGNED: Although end stage renal disease patients who undergo hemodialysis frequently experience dialysis-associated thrombotic complications, there remains a paucity of literature comparing the efficacy of different endovascular salvage techniques for grafts and fistulas. This study aims to compare primary patency in dialysis access following salvage mechanical thrombolysis/thrombectomy with a rotational thrombolysis device versus balloon maceration.
UNASSIGNED: Using a database of patient records at a tertiary medical center, all patients who underwent rotational thrombectomy with the Cleaner XT™ Rotational Thrombectomy System for endovascular salvage of arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft from August 2016 to July 2022 were included in the population. Fourteen patients who underwent balloon maceration for endovascular salvage were matched to the patients in the rotational thrombectomy group based on date of procedure. The primary patency of the fistula or graft for the two groups was measured.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 13 patients who underwent dialysis access salvage with rotational thrombectomy (10 grafts, 3 fistulas) were matched with 14 patients who underwent balloon maceration for dialysis access salvage (10 grafts, 4 fistulas). Six patients in both groups required additional graft access salvage (46% rotational thrombectomy; 43% balloon maceration). The median time to next dialysis salvage was 51 days for rotational thrombectomy and 43.5 days for balloon maceration (W + 9, critical value 1; compatible with statistically significant difference).
UNASSIGNED: Endovascular access salvage by rotational thrombectomy may provide longer primary patency compared to salvage by balloon maceration. However, a longer follow-up prospective study of a larger study population is necessary to clarify the safety and efficacy of rotational thrombectomy using the Cleaner XT™ device.