Hemodynamic Study After Mechanical Dilatation of Femoral Arteriovenous Fistulas Constructed in Dogs

Abstract

Perioperative blood flow, blood flow velocity, arterial diameter, and venous diameter are factors with known influence in survival with arteriovenous fistu las (AVF).

Twenty-four femoral AVFs were constructed in 12 dogs. The fistulas were randomly divided, and in half of them the vein and the artery were mechani cally dilated (in an extension of 23 cm) with a Fogarty or Foley catheter.

After dilatation, perioperative blood flow, blood flow velocity, and arterial diameter were greater in the dilated group when compared to the nondilated group (p < 0.005, p < 0.005, p < 0.025 respectively). In the dogs reoperated at day 30, similar results were observed and also venous diameter was greater in the dilated fistulas (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, simple mechanical dilatation of a long venous and arterial segment improved most of the factors that have influence in AVF patency and improved the maturation of the AVF vein. We believe that it would be useful for the construction of arteriovenous fistulas in uremic patients.