Digital infarction in a hemodialysis patient due to embolism from a thrombosed brachial arteriovenous fistula

Acute onset of digital ischemia and infarction is an unusual complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This is a report of a patient on regular hemodialysis who presented with acute distal extremity ischemia, progressing to digital infarction and on evaluation was found to have thrombosis of brachial arteriovenous fistula with embolization to the distal arteries causing digital artery occlusion.     

High‐output heart failure secondary to arteriovenous fistula

In the hemodialysis patient population, a surgically created arteriovenous fistula is the preferred vascular access option. Development of high‐output heart failure may be an underappreciated complication in patients who have undergone this procedure. When a large proportion of arterial blood is shunted from the left‐sided circulation to the right‐sided circulation via the fistula, the increase in preload can lead to increased cardiac output. Over time, the demands of an increased workload may lead to cardiac hypertrophy and eventual heart failure. Patients may present with the usual signs of high‐output heart failure including tachycardia, elevated pulse pressure, hyperkinetic precordium, and jugular venous distension. Typically, the AV fistula is quite large and is likely located in the upper arm, more proximal to the heart. Routine access flow monitoring should demonstrate blood flows (Qa) >2000 ML/min. Echocardiogram may reveal either a low or high left ventricular ejection fraction, and right‐heart catheterization demonstrates an elevated cardiac output with a low to normal systemic vascular resistance. When addressing the problem of high‐output heart failure, the nephrologist is faced with the dilemma of preventing progression of heart failure at the expense of loss of vascular access. Nevertheless, treatment should be directed at correcting the underlying problem by surgical banding or ligation of the fistula.     

Carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula and cerebrovascular infarct: a case report of an iatrogenic complication following internal jugular vein catheterization

Central venous catheterization is frequently performed for perioperative management and long-term intravenous access. Although complications associated with central venous catheter insertion have been widely reported, there are few reports of carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula formation. Endovascular procedures are associated with a risk of immediate and delayed thromboembolic and ischemic complications. We describe a case of a carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula and a cerebrovascular infarct following the insertion of a double-lumen catheter for hemodialysis access. We provide recommendations for the prevention and the early detection of this iatrogenic complication.     

Use of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm to create an arteriovenous fistula

The reconstruction of vascular access in patients with kidney allograft failure is a challenging problem. A case of a 62‐year‐old man with transplanted kidney insufficiency is described. The patient was initially dialyzed with a wrist radial‐cephalic arteriovenous fistula. In the post‐transplantation period, the enormously dilated venous part of the anastomosis was ligated and the part of the vein suspected of being the source of bacteremia was excised. The man was referred to our department due to kidney allograft failure for vascular access creation. During preoperative assessment, we unexpectedly found a soft thrill on the forearm. Doppler ultrasound confirmed fistula patency, although the blood supply was not sufficient to perform dialysis. Angiography showed the blood flow from the radial artery to the cephalic vein, through a complicated vessel system consisting of inter alia a dilated vein of the subcutaneous venous network. We successfully used this vein as the vascular access outflow for fistula recreation. In conclusion, making use of veins of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm for creation of a native fistula should be considered in selected cases.     

Physical examination: How to examine the arm with arteriovenous fistula

Physical examination has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying complications of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). It should be initiated at the stage prior to the construction of the AVF and continue in its accomplishment, maturation, and subsequent use in the treatment of hemodialysis. Nurses should incorporate the physical examination in their practices, in order to preserve the vascular net of patients and assist in the recognition of complications of AVF. It is intended to describe aspects of the physical examination that enable the identification of the AVF complications including: infection, accessory veins, venous stenosis, steal syndrome, high‐output cardiac failure, and venous hypertension.     

Conservative management of a lymphocele that formed shortly after creation of an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

Patients with end-stage renal disease require to establish vascular access for regular hemodialysis. The creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is usually a safe procedure; however, there could be complications such as bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, thrombosis, infection, and steal syndrome. A rare complication of such vascular manipulation could be formation of lymphocele. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with a progressively enlarging mass 12 days after the surgery for AVF creation at the site of surgery in the right upper arm. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a fluid-filled cystic structure measuring about 4.2 × 3.6 × 1.9 cm under the skin just above the anastomosis. The fluid was aspirated using ultrasound-guided fluoroscopy that relieved the swelling. The analysis of aspirate suggested the cyst to be a lymphocele. The mass re-enlarged to its previous size in the next 3 days. While under observation for signs of complication, regular intermittent compression and a low-fat diet completely resolved the lymphocele over the subsequent 3 months. The less common occurrence of such lymphocele post AVF creation needs to be evaluated for its potential for complication, in the absence of which the lymphocele is amenable to conservative management using regular intermittent compression and low-fat oral diet.     

Improving arteriovenous fistula rate: Effect on hemodialysis quality

Vascular access (VA) is the lifeline for patients with end‐stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis (HD). Tunneled catheters have been associated with increased risk of luminal thrombosis, infection, hospitalization, and high cost. Our aims were to follow the “Fistula First Initiative,” avoid or reduce the rate of catheter insertion, improve the rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use, and study the effect of increased AVF use on quality of dialysis and patient's outcome. A VA program has been established in collaboration with an enthusiastic and professional vascular surgery team to manage 358 patients who have been on regular HD treatment for a period ranging from 1 to 252 months. The mean ± standard deviation age of patients was 52 ± 15 years with 62% male patients. Over a period of 2 years, 408 procedures were performed. These include 293 AVFs and 56 arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Other procedures include 39 permanent catheter insertions, 8 AVF aneurysmectomy, removal of 6 AVGs, embolectomy of 4 AVGs, excision of 1 AVG lymphocele, and ligation of 1 AVF. This program resulted in significant increase in AVF rate from 35% to 82%; reduction in catheter rate from 62% to 10.9%; infection rate down from 6.6% to 0.6%; VA clotting down from 5.1% to 1.0%; and increase in average blood flow rate from 214 ± 32 to 298 ± 37 mL/min (P < 0.01). These results have been associated with improved average single pool Kt/V from 0.88 ± 0.19 to 1.28 ± 0.2 (P < 0.01); increased hemoglobin from 9.2 ± 1.2 to 10.9 ± 0.9 g/dL (P < 0.01); improved serum albumin from 3.2 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 0.4 g/dL (P < 0.05); reduction in administered erythropoietin dose by 19%; and significant drop in hospitalization rate from 6.1% to 3.8%. These results confirm the great benefits of AVF on quality of HD and patient outcome, and clearly affirm that AVF should always be considered first.     

Femoral arteriovenous fistula 3 months after removal of catheter for hemodialysis

A 56‐year‐old Asian woman was admitted to hospital for the consideration of hemodialysis (HD). A right femoral dialysis catheter was inserted for HD. Three months after removal of catheter, she was admitted because of right inguinal swelling. A thrill and bruit were felt and heard at the inguinal area. Color Doppler detected a fistula between right superficial femoral artery and right common femoral vein and subsequently confirmed by contrast enhanced computed tomography scan and 3‐dimensional reconstruction with computed tomography. At surgery, a 4‐mm–diameter fistula was found between the right superficial femoral artery and right common femoral vein. A primary closure of both defects in the artery and vein was then carried out. A follow‐up digital vascular study 3 months after surgical repair was normal. In conclusion, nephrologist should have a heightened awareness to the potential of this complication and should at least document a normal exam following the removal of femoral catheters.     

Geographic disparities in arteriovenous fistula placement in patients approaching hemodialysis in the United States

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). Several factors associated with AVF placement have been identified (e.g., age, sex, race, comorbidities). We hypothesized that geographic location of patient residence might be associated with the probability of AVF placement as the initial access. We used the data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) database (2005–2008) linked to Medicare claims (2003–2008). Logistic regression was used to estimate specific characteristics of population associated with the AVF as first access placed or attempted for HD initiation. Our primary variable of interest was the geographic location, and the multivariate model was adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index, primary cause of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), duration of pre‐ESRD nephrology care, comorbidities, employment status, substance abuse, and income. Geographic location was determined using the data collected by the RUCA project and divided population into metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural categories. Patients (n = 111,953) identified from the USRDS database with linked Medicare claims were examined. Rates of fistula placement in the metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural population were 18.5%, 22.4%, and 21.6%, respectively. In comparison, patients who received catheter as the first access were 81.5%, 77.6% and 78.4%, respectively. The odds ratio of AVF placement as a first HD access in the rural and metropolitan population compared with the micropolitan population were 0.96 (0.90–1.03; P = 0.26) and 0.80 (0.76–0.84; P < 0.001), respectively. Our results indicate the presence of geographic disparities in AVF placement with decreased rates of AVF as the first access created in the metropolitan (but not rural) populations compared with the micropolitan communities.     

Physical examination of arteriovenous fistula: The influence of professional experience in the detection of complications

Vascular access is one of the leading causes of mobilization of financial resources in health systems for people with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Physical examination of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying complications. We decided to evaluate the influence of nurses' professional experience in the detection of complications of the AVF (venous stenosis and steal syndrome). The study took place in eight hemodialysis centers between May and September of 2011 in the north of Portugal. Sample was constituted by registered nurses. The nurses involved in the experiment were divided in two groups: those who had more than 5 years of experience and those who had less than 5 years of experience. Ninety‐two nurses participated in the study: 34 nurses had less than 5 years of professional experience and 58 had more than 5 years of professional experience. In the practices considered by nurses in the detection of venous stenosis, there were no differences observed between the groups (P > 0.05). In steal syndrome, there were no differences observed between the groups in the practices of the nurses in the detection of this complication of the AVF (P > 0.05). We concluded that professional experience does not influence the detection of venous stenosis and steal syndrome.     

Carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula: a case report of an iatrogenic complication following internal jugular vein catheterization for hemodialysis access

We report a case of diabetic end-stage renal disease patient who presented with a right common carotid artery jugular arteriovenous fistula as a complication of the insertion of a polyurethane double-lumen hemodialysis catheter into the right internal jugular vein .On physical examination of the neck, a pulsating mass with a palpable thrill and a bruit was noted in the right subclavicular region. The diagnosis was confirmed by color doppler ultrasonography of the neck and carotid angiography. The review of the literature suggests the occurrence of this complication as rather rare. The fistula was successfully repaired surgically. It is emphasized that while securing the access, a thorough physical examination with a special emphasis on seeking any neck swellings, thrill, and bruit along with routine use of vascular doppler for securing dialysis access is recommended.     

Effect of a postoperative exercise program on arteriovenous fistula maturation: A randomized controlled trial

Exercises after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation may help to improve maturation; however, their usefulness has only been examined in indirect, non‐comparative studies or small trials. Between June 2013 and November 2014, we included all ambulatory patients with stages 5‐5D chronic kidney disease who were candidates for the creation of a native AVF in our center. After surgery, all patients were randomized to an exercise group or a control group with single‐blind control. At 1 month postoperatively, clinical maturation (expert nurse inspection) and ultrasonographic maturation (flow >500 mL/min, venous diameter >5 mm and depth <6 mm) were assessed in all patients. A total of 72 patients were randomized, 3 were lost to follow‐up, and 69 were finally analyzed. The mean age was 66.8 years (standard deviation 13.8), 70.0% were men, and 65.2% were in pre‐dialysis. After surgery (42.0% had distal AVF), the patients were randomized (31 controls, 38 exercise group). At 1 month after surgery, global clinical and ultrasonographic maturation was assessed in 88.4% and 78.3% of AVF, respectively (kappa = 0.539). Non‐significant differences in clinical or ultrasonographic maturation were seen between exercise and control group (94.7% vs. 80.6%, P = 0.069; 81.6% vs. 74.2%, P = 0.459). A stepwise logistic regression was performed to control previously analyzed asymmetrically distributed confounding factors (AVF localization), revealing that the exercise group showed greater clinical, but not ultrasonographic, maturation (odds ratio [OR] 5.861, 95% confidence interval: 1.006–34.146 and OR 2.403, 0.66–8.754). A postoperative controlled exercise program after AVF creation seems to increase 1‐month clinical AVF maturation in distal accesses. Furthermore, exercise programs should be taken into account, especially in distal accesses.     

Safety of arteriovenous fistulae and grafts for continuous renal replacement therapy: The Michigan experience

Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF/AVG) use is widely considered contraindicated for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), yet insertion of hemodialysis (HD) catheters can carry high complication risk in critically ill end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Methods: Single‐center analysis of 48 consecutive hospitalized ESRD patients on maintenance HD who underwent CRRT using AVF/AVG from 2012 to 2013. Primary outcome was access‐related complications. Findings: Mean age was 60 years, 48% were male, and 88% required vasopressor support. Median duration of AVF/AVG use for CRRT was 4 days (range 1–34). Ten (21%) patients had access complications (5 bleeding, 5 infiltration, 1 thrombosis); 5 (10.4%) required catheter placement. Overall 31 (65%) patients survived to hospital discharge and AVF/AVG access was functional at the time of discharge in 29 (94%) patients. Discussion: In our experience, use of AVF/AVG for CRRT can be performed with a low serious complication rate and low risk of access loss, potentially avoiding catheter‐related complications.     

Radio‐cephalic fistula recovered with drainage to forearm basilic vein

Dysfunction problems with vascular access are a concern to patients and dialysis units. The vascular surgeon should analyse such dysfunction and perform a careful assessment of the vascular network in order to find new fistula layouts. We introduce and discuss the case of creation of a radio‐cephalic fistula with outflow into the forearm basilic vein through rotation of the forearm basilic vein toward the cephalic vein in the forearm of an 88‐year‐old hemodialysis male patient. This technique enables extending fistula patency and improves cost efficiency.     

Endophthalmitis: a rare complication of arteriovenous fistula infection

Vascular access infection is a frequent problem in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Infection of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is less common than dialysis catheter-associated infection. Previous case reports described endophthalmitis secondary to hemodialysis catheter-related infection, but not secondary to native AVF infection. We report a rare patient of endophthalmitis as a metastatic infection of AVF cannulation site abscess. A 19-year-old girl on maintenance hemodialysis for the past 2 years has presented with a history of fever, chills, and rigor of 3-days duration and painful dimness of vision in the left eye of 1-night duration. It was followed by redness of the eye, photophobia, and ocular discharge. On examination, the patient was febrile with an abscess near cannulation site of AVF. There was no perception of light in the left eye, conjunctiva was congested, cornea was clear, hypopyon present, and pupil was mid-dilated, not reacting to light. Lens was clear. Vitreitis and exudative retinal detachment was present. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from blood, pus from AVF abscess and vitreous fluid. Diagnosis of endophthalmitis was confirmed by B-scan ultrasound. She was treated with both intravenous and intraocular antibiotics and drainage of pus from AVF abscess and therapeutic vitrectomy. Though arteriovenous abscess responded to sensitive antibiotics and drainage, vision has not improved much. Strict aseptic precautions during regular AVF cannulation are required. Lapses may lead to loss of vision apart from described complications like access closure, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis.     

Disparities in arteriovenous fistula placement in older hemodialysis patients

The benefits of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis have been clearly demonstrated. However, only about 20% of patients in the United States initiate hemodialysis with an AVF. In this study, we assessed whether disparities exist in the type of first hemodialysis access placed prior to dialysis start (rather than that used at dialysis initiation), to detect whether certain disadvantaged groups might have lower likelihood of AVF placement. Study cohort of 118,767 incident hemodialysis patients ≥67 years of age (1/2005–12/2008) derived from the United States Renal Data System was linked with Medicare claims data to identify the type of initial access placed predialysis. We used logistic regression model with outcome being the initial predialysis placement of an AVF as opposed to an arteriovenous graft or a central venous catheter. Increasing age, female sex, black race, lower body mass index, urban location, certain comorbidities, and shorter pre–end‐stage renal disease nephrology care are all associated with a significantly lower likelihood of AVF placement as initial access predialysis. Our study suggests the presence of significant disparities in the placement of an AVF as initial hemodialysis vascular access. We suggest that additional attention should be paid to these patient groups to improve disparities by patient education, earlier referral, and close follow‐up.