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Why don't fistulas mature?
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Why don't fistulas mature?

B.S Dixon
Kidney international, Vol.70(8), pp.1413-1422
10/02/2006
DOI: 10.1038/sj.ki.5001747
PMID: 16883317
url
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ki.5001747View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Fistula maturation requires a compliant and responsive vasculature capable of dilating in response to the increased velocity of blood flowing into the newly created low-resistance circuit. Successful maturation to a high volume flow circuit capable of sustaining hemodialysis typically occurs within the first few weeks after creation. Failure to achieve maturation within 4–8 weeks should prompt a search for reversible etiologies; however, an accepted definition of maturation, particularly for patients not yet on dialysis remains elusive. The most commonly identified etiology is neointimal hyperplasia typically occurring in the juxta-anastomotic vein. However, failed maturation has also been reported secondary to impaired arterial and venous dilation and accessory veins. The exact frequency of each of these etiologies is unclear. Understanding the etiologies of impaired fistula maturation will focus future studies of targeted interventions to improve the rate of fistula maturation and increase the number of dialysis patients with a functioning autogenous fistula.
hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula stenosis blood flow survival

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