Outcomes of brachial artery-basilic vein fistula.

Increasing the creation of arteriovenous fistulas in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients is of great importance to the nephrology community. The creation of the brachial artery-basilic vein fistula is an important option in patients with unsuccessful or failing forearm accesses for hemodialysis. The aim of this study is to review reported outcomes of brachial artery-basilic vein fistulas regarding patency and primary failure rates in comparison with other types of fistulas and grafts in the published literature. We have also described the variations in the surgical technique during creation and the potential influence on outcomes. Based on our review of the literature, the rate of primary failure is approximately 15-20% with a range of 0-40%. The mean 1-year primary patency rate is approximately 72% with a range of 23-90%, and the 2-year primary patency rate is approximately 62% with a range from 11% to 86%. The number of required interventions to maintain patency is lower with brachial artery-basilic vein fistula compared to arteriovenous grafts.