A new operation with inadequate Brescia fistulae for preservation of more proximal veins.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that venous outflow of a Brescia fistula that is patent but unusable for one of a variety of reasons can provide adequate drainage to sustain a prosthetic arteriovenous graft based on the brachial artery, thus sparing more proximal veins for future access procedures.

METHODS

The operation consists of placement of a prosthetic graft between the brachial artery in the antecubital space and the cephalic vein at the wrist.

RESULTS

Between December 1998 and November 1999, 14 patients (eight male and six female; age range, 34 to 73 years; mean age, 51 years) underwent the operation. The original fistulae had been in place for 5 to 27 months (mean, 13 months). Thirteen grafts were patent at 30 days; the one early failure (24 days) was caused by infection. As of May 31, 2001, four grafts were being used (18 (1/2), 20, 23, and 28 months after placement) and four had been withdrawn in a functional state because of death (n = 3) or transplantation (n = 1). Primary functional patency rate with life-table analysis was 71%, 57%, 41%, and 41% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months; secondary functional patency rate was 86%, 78%, 52%, and 52% at these same intervals. Three grafts had primary functional patencies greater than 18 months.

CONCLUSION

Patent but unusable Brescia fistulae can provide adequate outflow to sustain arteriovenous grafts, thus sparing more proximal veins for future access procedures. The operation can extend by months or years the time during which satisfactory vascular access can be maintained in these patients, potentially increasing survival in some cases. We hope that the availability of this salvage option will encourage vascular surgeons to attempt arteriovenous fistulae at the wrist even in patients with suboptimal venous anatomy.