# Outcomes of AV fistula formation for dialysis patients using interrupted sutures one-year single center study

## TL;DR

This study examines the outcomes of using interrupted sutures for creating AV fistulas in dialysis patients over one year.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into AV fistula outcomes using interrupted sutures in a single-center setting.

## Key findings

- Thrill at the AVF site and backflow in the cephalic vein are associated with good prognosis.
- Surgeon satisfaction was higher for AVFs created at the brachiocephalic artery.
- Vessel diameter did not influence surgeon satisfaction.

## Abstract

To document the Outcomes of AV fistula formation for dialysis patients using interrupted sutures.

In this Cross-sectional study conducted at PNS Shifa Karachi, from June 2022 to June 2023, patients above 18 years of age, male or female, with ESRD/CKD were included. After clinical screening and ultrasound doppler, the distal most part of wrist was considered as a site for radio cephalic AVF. Operation was performed under surgical loupe with 4.5x magnification. Standard incision of about 4-5 cm oblique proximal to the wrist crease was given at the volar surface on the radial side of Distal forearm, extending till the lateral side up to the snuffbox. Subcutaneous tissue was incised and dissection was done to identify the cephalic vein and radial artery. Distal most end of the cephalic vein was ligated using vicryl 4-0 suture and cephalic vein dissected free from the underling tissue to mobilize it up to the radial artery.

During the study N=35 patients who required AVF creation visited the department. The mean age of the study participants was 59.34±15.48. If thrill at the site of AVF and backflow at cut end of cephalic vein were present the surgeons were satisfied, higher satisfaction among the surgeon was achieved in the AVF created at brachiocephalic artery while the diameter of vessels didn’t contribute in surgeon satisfaction.

Presence of thrill at the site of AVF and backflow at cut end of cephalic vein have strong association with good prognosis of AVF.