Arteriovenous Fistula
Arteriovenous access types demonstrate similar risk profiles
The type of arteriovenous access placement, graft or fistula, used first in older patients receiving hemodialysis did not impact their risk for death, sepsis or hospitalization.
Larger studies needed to assess AVGs vs AVFs
Researchers who compared arteriovenous grafts with arteriovenous fistulas in patients aged 65 years or older with end-stage kidney disease found scant evidence favoring one treatment over the other.
Kidney function decline slows with AVF creation, which may delay dialysis
Researchers from Canada found placement of an arteriovenous fistula slowed decline in kidney function for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease who were not yet on hemodialysis.
AV fistula for dialysis access linked to greater cumulative catheter dependency
For older patients who initiated hemodialysis without permanent access, those with arteriovenous fistula placement within the following year were catheter-dependent for more time cumulatively than those with AV graft.
Sweden shows treatment changes have reduced mortality rates for patients on hemodialysis
Various changes in treatment practices were associated with reductions in mortality and a decreased likelihood of cardiovascular events for patients who received hemodialysis in Sweden during a 10-year period.
Initiative leads to vein preservation for hospitalized children who may require dialysis
A quality improvement initiative resulted in increased frequency of peripheral IV placement in the dominant arm for hospitalized children with kidney disease.
‘Glaring hole’ exists in the understanding of successful dialysis access creation
According to a speaker at ASN Kidney Week, there is a “glaring hole” in data related to successful dialysis access creation, presenting challenges to nephrologists as they attempt to improve care and increase patient satisfaction.
Medtronic to acquire Avenu Medical, developer of Ellipsys Vascular Access System
Medtronic plc. announced plans to acquire Avenu Medical, a California-based company which focuses on developing devices aimed at improving vascular access procedures for patients on dialysis, according to a press release.
Study finds longer catheter use, higher mortality for US patients on dialysis
A study that compared international vascular access practice patterns showed several regional differences regarding arteriovenous fistula patency and time to becoming catheter-free for patients on hemodialysis.
Drug-coated balloons show benefits for patients with dysfunctional dialysis fistulas
Compared with a standard balloon, treatment with a drug-coated balloon led to improved outcomes for patients on hemodialysis who had a dysfunctional arteriovenous fistula.