Introduction: the external support device VasQ is intended to promote arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation by maintaining the optimal anastomotic angle in order to minimize blood flow disturbances around the anastomotic area. The aim of the study is to assess efficacy and safety of the VasQ device both in brachiocephalic and radiocephalic fistulae.
Methods: a single institution prospective study was conducted with implantation of the VasQ device during AVF creation. Clinical and Doppler ultrasounds evaluations were performed at day-1, 1, 6, and 12 months for assessment of device-related adverse events, AVF maturation and patency. Moreover, volume flow rate and diameter of outflow vein were measured. A total of 16 patients were enrolled. Ten brachiocephalic and 6 radiocephalic AVFs were created with VasQ. Preoperatively cephalic vein diameter was 3.6 ± 0.9 mm.
Results: our population included 13 male and 3 females patients, 9 end stage kidney disease in conservative therapy, 4 dialysis treated patients, and 3 transplanted patients; mean age was 74.0 ± 8.1 years; no severe device-related adverse events were observed. Primary patency at 1, 6, and 12 months was 100%, 87.5%, and 67.7%, respectively, while secondary patency was 100%, 100%, and 78.3%, respectively. Comparing brachiocephalic to radiocephalic AVFs no significant differences in patency rates were seen. Overall maturation rate was 94% (15/16). Mean vein diameter measured with Doppler ultrasound at postoperative day-1 and at 1, 6, and 12 months was 5.0 ± 1.0, 5.9 ± 0.9, 7.2 ± 1.6, and 7.9 ± 1.4 mm, respectively, with a mean flow rate at the brachial artery of 841 ± 176, 1052 ± 224, 1261 ± 490, and 1348 ± 477 ml/min, respectively.
Conclusions: in our limited experience VasQ was safe, with high maturation and patency rates. Positive results suggest a potential benefit for VasQ in AVF.
Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula; VasQ external device; arteriovenous fistula maturation; arteriovenous fistula patency.