Does the balloon-assisted maturation procedure offer comparable results for AVF created with a smaller vein?

Traditionally, a venous diameter of less than 3 mm was not considered for creation of AVF. Some studies have reported smaller venous size could be used for operation. AVF created with a smaller vein may have a lower maturation rate. Currently, percutaneous angioplasty is also used to enhance the maturation of AVF. This study aimed to establish whether the BAM procedure could offer comparable results for AVF created with a smaller vein.

From January 2016 to July 2021, 290 patients who received native AVF operation were enrolled in this study. All of the preoperative venous sizes were measured by Duplex ultrasonography under tourniquet enhancement. The study cohort was categorized into two groups based on the pre-operative venous diameter: smaller vein group (SVG, 2.5 < size < 3 mm, 53.1%) and normal vein group (NVG, size ⩾ 3 mm, 46.9%).

The mean age was 64 ± 12.9 years, and 58.6% of patients were male. Hypertension and DM were the most common comorbidities. Most patients underwent operation of radio-cephalic fistula (71.4%). The overall primary maturation rate was 79%. The primary maturation rate was significantly higher in the NVG (86% vs 72.7%, p = 0.009). However, after the BAM procedure, the secondary maturation rate was similar in both groups (94.1% vs 90.3%, p = 0.319).

According to our study, the BAM procedure can significantly increase the maturation rate, and the secondary maturation rate was similar in both groups. Thus, more patients can be given the opportunity to undergo creation of an AVF for long-term hemodialysis.