Preventing AVF thrombosis: the rationale and design of the Omega-3 fatty acids (Fish Oils) and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease (FAVOURED) study

Background: Haemodialysis (HD) is critically dependent on the availability of adequate access to the systemic circulation, ideally via a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The Primary failure rate of an AVF ranges between 20-54%, due to thrombosis or failure of maturation. There remains limited evidence for the use of anti-platelet agents and uncertainty as to choice of agent(s) for the prevention of AVF thrombosis. We present the study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial examining whether the use of the anti-platelet agents, aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids, either alone or in combination, will effectively reduce the risk of early thrombosis in de novo AVF

Algorithmic Salvage Techniques in Non-Maturing Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistulae with Their Long-Term Patency

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the role of five different operative salvage techniques with their long-term primary patency (PP) in an algorithmic manner in gaining primary functional maturation (FM) in radio cephalic arteriovenous fistulae (RCAVF) formation following their impairment. Methods: A prospective consecutive data collection on 195 patients undergoing only autogenous RCAVF formation from July 2013 to December 2015 was conducted. Each non-maturing fistula was then exposed to a salvage technique by an algorithmic methodology and their FM and PP was prospectively recorded. Results: Forty-two patients were exposed to five different salvages techniques, with a median age of 67 years (IQR, 27-90), cephalic vein diameter of 2 mm (IQR, 1.5-4 mm) and radial artery diameter of 1.8 mm (IQR, 1.2-2.1 mm), demonstrated 63.1% FM and cumulative primary patency of 15.2 months (95% CI, 12.5-17.9) over a 21-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Operative salvage techniques play an important role in achieving assisted functional maturation and long-term patency in RCAVF as an alternative and/or in conjunction with other minimally invasive procedures. These procedures can maximize access outcome, minimize bridging procedures, decrease complications and optimize patient anatomical resources for longer access provisions in an era of aging population