Arteriovenous Fistula

WASHINGTON — In patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, acquired thrombotic factors contributed to recurrent arteriovenous fistula clotting, according to data presented at ASN Kidney Week.

Researchers found one-fifth of surgeons diverged from recommended best practice guidelines by using an arteriovenous graft — rather than an AV fistula — for initial permanent hemodialysis access, with specific surgeon factors influencing these practice patterns.

A drug-coated balloon yielded superior patency to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with de novo or restenotic arteriovenous fistula lesions, according to findings presented at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe Annual Meeting.