Surgical and endovascular intervention for dialysis access maturation failure during and after arteriovenous fistula surgery : review of the evidence

Background Maturation failure is the major obstacle to establishing functional arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) for haemodialysis treatment. Various endovascular and surgical techniques have been advocated to enhance fistula maturation and to increase the number of functional AVFs. This narrative review considers the available evidence of interventional techniques for treatment of AVF non-maturation. Results Intra-operative vein dilation and anastomosis modification results in a clinical maturation rate of 74–92% and a 6 month cumulative AVF patency of 79–93%. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without accessory vein obliteration is successful in 43–97% of patients. The long-term primary patency of PTA is rather low and multiple re-interventions are needed to achieve an acceptable cumulative fistula patency. The results of surgical revision exceed the results of endovascular intervention, with a mean primary one year patency of 73% (range 68–78%) compared with 49% (range 28–72%), respectively. The role of accessory vein obliteration remains unclear. Conclusion Intervention for autologous arteriovenous fistula non-maturation is worthwhile and results in an increased number of functional fistulae. The outcome of surgical revision is better than endovascular and might be preferable in certain patient populations.