Superior Patency of Perforating Antecubital Vein Arteriovenous Fistulae for Hemodialysis

Primary failure

was defined as fistula thrombosis, inadequate flow for hemodialysis, or a complication requiring ligation. Kaplan-Meyer life table analysis was used to determine primary fistula patency. The results were as follows: PAV fistulae had a primary patency rate of 80% at a median follow up of 36 months (1-124 months); the B-C fistula was 66% at a median 27 months (1-120 months), and the synthetic graft fistula was 64% at median 7 months (1-40 months). The primary patency rate of the PAV fistula was significantly better than the B-C fistula (p= 0.0015) or the synthetic graft fistula (p= < 0.0001). In conclusion, the PAV fistula has an excellent patency rate and appears to be a viable option for AV access after a failed B-C fistula or when a B-C fistula is not technically feasible.