Transit Time Flowmetry and Vein Size Are Predictive of Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation

This study aimed to assess the effect of vessel size and flow characteristics on the maturation of autogenous radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVFs).

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients undergoing RCAVF creation at a single medical center from January 2013 to December 2019. Operative variables were compared between patients whose fistulae matured and those whose fistulae failed to mature.

Overall, 152 patients (33 of whom were women) with a mean age of 62.6±13.6 years underwent RCAVF creation; functional maturation was achieved in 123. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients in whom maturation was or was not achieved in terms of the following variables: female sex (20.3% vs. 25.0%), radial artery size (2.5 vs. 2.4 mm), and pulsatility index (0.69 vs. 0.62). Low intraoperative transit time flowmetry (TTF; 150.4 vs. 98.1 mL/min) and small vein size (2.4 vs. 2.0 mm) were associated with failure of maturation. The best cutoff diameter for RCAVF TTF and cephalic vein size were 105 mL/min and 2.45 mm, respectively.

In patients who undergo RCAVF creation, vein diameter on preoperative ultrasonography and intraoperative TTF are predictors of functional maturation. We identified an intraoperative TTF cutoff value that can be used for intraoperative decision-making.