Factors Associated with Early Thrombosis After Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Background: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the preferred modality for hemodialysis access. Early thrombosis hampers development of a working AVF. We endeavored to determine the incidence and identify factors associated with early thrombosis of AVF and to determine salvage rates following thrombosis, at a high-volume hemodialysis access center.

Methods: Retrospective review of autologous AVF was created between November 2014 and July 2016 at a single center. Early thrombosis was defined as thrombosis that occurred within 30 days of surgery.

Results: There were 291 AVFs. The median age was 54.7 years, and 192 patients (66%) were male. Early postoperative AVF thrombosis was noted in 5 (1.7%) cases. Factors associated with early thrombosis on univariate analysis included previous access surgery (P = 0.02) and absence of a good intraoperative thrill (P = 0.006). Intraoperative protamine use trended toward significance (P = 0.06). Factors that were not significant included gender, diabetes, dialysis at time of surgery, fistula configuration, and systemic heparin use. None of the thrombosed fistulas were salvaged.

Conclusions: Early thrombosis is a relatively rare complication of AVF creation at a high-volume center. Previous access surgery and absence of good thrill at conclusion of the procedure are associated with early thrombosis.