A novel technique of vascular anastomosis to prevent juxta-anastomotic stenosis following arteriovenous fistula creation.

OBJECTIVES: Juxta-anastomotic stenosis (JAS) is one of the predominant causes of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure, with the reported incidence as high as 65%. We hypothesized that technical modification to alter the outflow vein configuration using the novel piggyback Straight Line Onlay Technique (pSLOT) would prevent JAS and improve AVF maturation.

METHODS: Intention-to-treat analysis of the outcomes of consecutive distal radiocephalic (RC) fistulas performed by a single operator with three different anastomotic techniques using a prospectively maintained database. Traditional end-to-side technique (ETS), side-to-side straight-line onlay technique (SLOT, STS) and pSLOT in RC AVF created in 125 consecutive patients between 1/2004 and 12/2007 were compared. AVF maturation was evaluated by ultrasonography at 4 to 6 weeks and use for dialysis.

RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 53.1 ± 20.7 years, the male-to-female ratio was 61:64, and the races studied were African American (66; 52.8%) and Caucasian (54; 43.2%). The primary disease for renal failure was hypertension (54; 43.2%) and diabetes (51; 40.8%). Brachial artery flow at maturation was 1103 ± 531 mL/min. Incidence of early JAS was 9.8% and late 14.6%. The clinico-demographic variables between ETS (n = 57), STS (n = 12), and pSLOT (n = 54) were similar. The median follow-up between three groups: ETS (19 months), STS (12 months), and pSLOT (19 months; P = .1), was similar. There was a significant decrease in JAS development in pSLOT patients (P = .04). pSLOT patients also revealed decreased overall fistula failure (ETS 40.3%, STS 33.3%, pSLOT 16.7%; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS: There was significant reduction in JAS and improvement in AVF maturation with pSLOT. This study provides evidence highlighting the role of outflow vein configuration in AVF maturation. Minimal alteration of vein wall configuration and avoidance torsion using pSLOT technique improves AVF maturation.