Blood flow measurements in arteriovenous dialysis fistulas

Blood flows were measured in 75 arteriovenous dialysis fistulas (AVF) at the time of fistula construction. End cephalic vein to side of radial artery AVF had a mean flow of 242 +/- 89 ml. per minute which was similar to bovine heterograft AVF that also originated from the radial artery (291 +/- 67 ml. per minute). AVF originating from the brachial artery had flow rates twice those originating from the radial artery (599 +/- 163 vs. 251 +/- 89 ml. per minute), respectively). Flow rates were similar for straight arm (641 +/- 111 ml. per minute), curved forearm (561 +/- 187 ml. per minute), and curved thigh (592 +/- 134 ml. per minute) bovine AVF. Initial blood flow through arteriovenous dialysis fistulas is too low to cause heart failure, except in patients with previously compromised cardiac function. In such patients AVF from the radial artery theoretically would be preferred over brachial or femoral artery AVF.