Application of ultrasound in evaluating the function of autologous arteriovenous fistulae in hemodialysis

Abstract:

Objective：To evaluate the function of autologous arteriovenous fistulae（AVF） in hemodialysis by ultrasound and to explore the value of ultrasound. Methods：Totally 46 patients with end-stage renal disease，who established AVF first，were enrolled in this study. Radial artery and cephalic vein of AVF before operation and at 2，4，6 weeks after operation were monitored by ultrasound. The circumstances of the first hemodialysis were follewed. Results：（1）Radial artery diameter（RAD），radial artery volume flow（RVF），cephalic vein diameter（CVD） were statistically different before operation and at 2，4，6 weeks after operation（P＜0.01）. Cephalic vein volume flow（CVF） was statistically different at 2，4，6 weeks after operation（P＜0.01）. There were statistical differences in RVF，CVF between patients with end-to-side and end-to-end anastomosis（P＜0.05，P＜0.01）. Interactive effects of time and anastomosis type on RAD，RVF and CVF were considered statistically significant（P＜0.05，P＜0.01，P＜0.01）. Mature rate of AVF was 87% at 6 weeks postoperatively. Pump controlling blood flows of 38 patients were enough in the first hemodialysis. （2）4 patients experienced complications. Conclusions：（1）Ultrasound can be used to evaluate the function of AVF in hemodialysis. （2）End-to-side anasto－mosis will more easily lead high flow of AVF.