Ulnar cephalic transposition fistula as dialysis access: A novel technique

Abstract

A good calibre artery and vein are major prerequisites for arteriovenous fistula (AVF). If radio cephalic (RCF) and brachio-cephalic fistula (BCF) are not feasible in a patient, ulnar artery is found to be a hidden gem and ulnar cephalic fistula (UCF) is a more effective access. This study describes a novel technique called ulnar cephalic fistula performed on 20 patients from January 2023 to December 2024. Patients who underwent UCF had immediate success rate of 100% and primary patency of 83% (18/20) over follow up period of 18 months. The assisted primary patency was 100%. All patients were cannulated at an average time of 27 ± 5 days. UCF, next to RCF is a feasible alternative to proximal AVF, considering its success rate, minimal complications and the use of local anaesthesia.