U-vein compressor improves early haemodynamic outcomes in radiocephalic arterio-venous fistulae in under 2-mm superficial veins

Aim: In this study, we sought to determine the early postoperative results of arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) created by U-vein compressors with veins between 1.5 and 2 mm in size. Methods: Pre-operative venous mapping was done. The fistula tract was marked at 0-, 4-, 8- and 12-cm points; 0 cm was the estimated point where the anastomosis would be done. With Doppler ultrasonography, transverse diameters in the estimated fistula tract were measured at the 0-, 4-, 8- and 12-cm points. A superficial vein that would be used as the fistula tract was dilated using U-vein compressors. In the first postoperative hour, the flow in the anastomosis, and the transverse diameter of the fistula tract at the 0-, 4-, 8- and 12-cm points were measured by Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. U-vein compressors were used for 20 patients. Postoperative expansion of vein diameters and postoperative flow velocities were found to be statistically significantly different in patients where a U-vein compressor had been used (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We present a technique to dilate veins that are between 1.5 and 2 mm in diameter, which are generally accepted as poor vessels to create radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae.