Hemodynamic analysis of the ischemic complications of arteriovenous fistulas

The steal syndrome and its concomitant ischemic complications have long been known to occur in some patients following the construction of various types of access fistulas. A hemodynamic analysis of the flow at a bifurcation provides the basis for understanding the conditions which leads to steal. The analysis also suggests a method for assessing the potential for steal and supports the concept of banding of a fistula as a control measure.