Background: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft failure is an alternative to radiologically-guided angioplastic methods. Its main advantages are that it can be used with open or percutaneous access, using no contrast media and no radiation. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of ultrasound-guided endovascular treatment of arteriovenous access failure.
Material and methods: Preoperative ultrasound was used to determine the degree of stenosis and the size of balloon used in angioplasty. Angioplasty was performed as open procedure or by using a 4 - 6 French percutaneous sheath. Indications for angioplasty were significant stenosis of native vein or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft with or without AVF thrombosis. Stenosis was considered significant if it narrowed the lumen of AVF for more than 50% and changed the shape of the flow curve. Balloon inflation was controlled by ultrasound. Procedural success was assessed with repeated postprocedural ultrasound.
Results: In the period from August 2012 until August 2016, 228 ultrasound-guided open or percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA) were performed (61% men, mean age 66.6 ± 12.0 years), success rate was 93%. In 19 (8%) cases, ultrasound-guided PTA was used in conjunction with surgical reconstruction of arteriovenous fistula/graft and in 27 (12%) cases with thromboendarterectomy. Main complications were recoil, phlebitic vein rupture, and guidewire false route in thrombotic vessels. The main cause of access failure was perianastomotic stenosis (25%). 46% of patients required repeated PTA after the first one (after a mean time of 20.8 ± 22.8 weeks, mean number of repeated PTA 2.1 ± 1.7). Repeated PTA was done intentionally as stepped dilatation or because of rethrombosis/restenosis. Ultrasound-guided stent placement was done in 8% of PTA.
Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistula or graft is a feasible and safe method of reestablishing or maintaining a functional vascular access. .