Hypothesis: Angioaccess procedures for dialysis have varied patency rates with frequent need for intervention. A superficialized arteriovenous brachiobasilic fistula created as a 2-step procedure will have good long-term patency with minimal complication.
Design: Retrospective medical record review and patient interview.
Setting: Tertiary referral university hospital.
Patients: Twelve patients who underwent delayed superficialization of brachiobasilic fistula from September 1994 to April 2000.
Main outcome measures: Patency of fistula for dialysis, and major and minor complications, including revisions.
Results: Delayed superficialization of brachiobasilic fistula was performed in 12 patients. Fistulas have been used for a mean duration of 22.4 months (range, 10-59 months). Two patients required alternate access owing to thrombosis of brachiobasilic fistula.
Conclusions: The delayed superficialized brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula has a good initial patency rate with minimal complications. It should be considered early in patients if radiocephalic fistula is unavailable.