The effect of implementation of an optimized care protocol on the outcome of arteriovenous hemodialysis access surgery

Flow chart shows protocol for treatment, multidisciplinary meeting, and follow-up of patients with arteriovenous hemodialysis access with arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and arteriovenous grafts (AVG). PTA, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Summary of revisions in 63 group I patients (57%) and 48 group II (43%) patients. Group I comprised admissions because of treatment with a primary arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) or arteriovenous grafts (AVG) in the year 2001 and 2002, with follow-up from 2001 to 2003 (mean, 1 year). Group II admissions were in the year 2004 and 2005, with follow-up from 2004 until 2006 (mean, 1 year). PTA, Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Kaplan-Meier curves for cumulative secondary patency (SP) rates of 83 radial-cephalic direct wrist access (Brescia-Cimino fistula) arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) or grafts (AVG) in group I (n = 41) and group II (n = 42). Data are presented as number at risk (%), unless otherwise specified. Admissions were because of treatment with a primary AVF/AVG in the year 2001 and 2002 for group I, with follow-up from 2001 to 2003 (mean, 1 year), and in the year 2004 and 2005 for group II, with follow-up from 2004 to 2006 (mean, 1 year).

Kaplan-Meier curves for cumulative secondary patency (SP) rates of 53 brachial-cephalic forearm looped transposition arteriovenous grafts in group I (n = 30) and group II (n = 23). Data are presented as number at risk (%), unless otherwise specified. Admissions were because of treatment with a primary arteriovenous graft or fistula in the year 2001 and 2002 for group I, with follow-up from 2001 to 2003 (mean, 1 year); and in the year 2004 and 2005 for group II, with follow-up from 2004 to 2006 (mean, 1 year).