Balloon-Assisted Maturation of Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistulae

Background: There are several studies that document the safety and efficacy of the balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) technique. Ultimately, there are also studies that report its possible negative consequences such as fibrosis and restenosis of venous outflow, leading to malfunctioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Thus, in an effort to increase the number of primary AVFs, shorten maturation times, and reduce the number of indwelling catheters, we ascertain the BAM technique within this study to optimize access care and maximize use of AVFs. The balloon assisted maturation approach specifically and aggressively dilates the entire usable segment of the AVF. Methods: This is a randomized prospective study conducted in the department of vascular surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, including patients with hemodialysis access creation between June 2017 and May 2019. Three hundred patients were recruited from a total of 648 primary AVF creation cases. Patients were divided into two groups; Group (A) Balloon assisted maturation (BAM) (n=157) 52.3 % technique had been done while in the other Group (B) the usual maneuver was used (NO BAM) (n=143) 47.7%. Preoperative duplex was done for all cases to assess suitability. Intraoperative venography was the initial step following surgical exposure of the assigned veins to ascertain continuity and unlimited flow of the superficial vein. Balloon dilatation by 1 mm larger than the size of the vein, sparing the spatulated end of the vein followed by post-dilatation venography to reveal any injury and assess the success of dilatation process. All cases were completed as an end to side anastomosis. Patients were followed clinically and radiologically at regular visits in the 2nd, 4th and 6th week post-procedure, assessing the flow rate, vein depth and diameter via duplex US examination. Results: Patients age ranged from 19 to 89 (mean 51.17 ±15.5) years. The average maturation time was 3.7 weeks (SD ± 1.3 w) and 5.91 weeks (SD ± 2.