Aim: To show our results in the percutaneous treatment of non-functioning arteriovenous fistulas of patients undergoing haemodialysis and to discuss the results of the literature.
Methods: Thirty-four patients with 37 non-functioning arteriovenous fistulas (29 native, 8 grafts) underwent percutaneous angioplasty. Restoration of vessel lumen and function at the following dialysis were considered as successful outcome. Primary and secondary patency rates at 12 months were calculated by means of Kaplan-Meier analysis.
Results: Fifty-six interventions were performed, 42 on native fistulas and 14 on grafts. Immediate technical and clinical success were obtained in 98% of procedures. For native fistulas, primary and secondary patency rates at 12 months were 41% and 62%, respectively. For grafts, 14% and 34%, respectively. Only one complication was observed.
Conclusion: Minimally invasive percutaneous treatment allows to restore function of most arterio-venous fistulas with good long term patency.