ANGIOACCESS FOR HAEMODIALYSIS IN RENAL FAILURE-AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE BRESCIA-CIMINO FISTULA

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• End-stage renal disease (ESRD) necessitates reliable vascular access for haemodialysis.
• Arteriovenous fistulas are the preferred method for long-term haemodialysis access.
• The Brescia-Cimino method is a specific surgical technique for creating arteriovenous fistulas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistula for haemodialysis access.
• To assess the patency rates and complication profile of this surgical method.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 48 Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistula formations in 46 ESRD patients.
• Procedures performed between January 1994 and January 1997.
• Follow-up to assess fistula function, duration, and complications.

Main Results:

• High fistula patency rate: 94.1% (39/41) functioned for 6 months to 2 years (average 14 months).
• Mean of 2 haemodialysis sessions per week were facilitated by the functioning fistulas.
• Early fistula blockage occurred in 7 cases (14.6%); limb oedema in 2 cases.

Conclusions:

• The Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistula is a reliable method for angioaccess in ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis.
• The technique demonstrates a high success rate with manageable complications, primarily early nonpatency.
• Successful renal transplantation was the endpoint for many patients, indicating the fistula's role in bridging to definitive treatment.