Outcomes for One-stage and Two-stage Brachial Basilic Arteriovenous Fistulas

Understanding the Patient-Centered Outcomes for One-stage and Two-stage Brachial Basilic Upper Extremity Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Pilot Trial

An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is essential for patients with kidney failure on dialysis. There is no clear data on the best method to create a new brachial basilic AV fistula (BBAVF), so the choice between a single procedure and two separate procedures is left to the surgeon. Both approaches are standard care. This study aims to compare patient-centered outcomes and quality of life by randomly assigning patients needing a BBAVF to either a one-stage or two-stage procedure.

The aim of the pilot trial is to compare the outcomes of patients with end stage kidney failure (ESKD) who are candidates for a new brachial basilic arteriovenous fistula (BBAVF). Patients will be randomized to either one-stage or two-stage BBAVF procedure, both standard of care for creating BBAVF. The main outcome will be primary clinical functional patency, defined as successful use of BBAVF over a continuous 4-week period without any need for additional procedure on the BBAVF. The secondary outcomes are fistula-related complications, duration of central venous catheter (CVC) for those on dialysis, and quality of life (QoL) measures. The study hypothesizes that the primary patency will be superior following the two-stage BBAVF procedure compare to one-stage procedure. However, CVC-related complications are expected to be higher following the two-stage procedure compared to the one-stage procedure. Patient will be followed for a minimum duration of 12-months per subject.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years;
2. ESRD receiving hemodialysis in need for new hemodialysis access;
3. Candidate for one-stage and two-stage BVT procedure as judged by the enrolling investigator;
4. Greater than 3 mm diameter of upper arm basilic vein on venous duplex scan;
5. Life expectancy ≥ 12 months;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Life expectancy < 12 months;
2. Brachial artery stenosis or occlusion;
3. A documented hypercoagulable state (defined as a known blood disorder associated with venous or arterial thrombosis);
4. Current immunosuppressive medication, chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
5. Pregnancy or lactation