Autologous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation by Nephrologists

In 1966, physicians from the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital, New York City described the surgical creation of a distal radial artery to cephalic vein AV fistula. This novel configuration, for the first time, allowed effective and reproducible cannulation for hemodialysis access and has remained the gold standard for hemodialysis access since. More than 40 years later, vascular access remains the Achilles' heel of hemodialysis therapy. In this article, we will review the outcomes and techniques of the pre-eminent nephrologist-surgeons from around the world in an attempt to define those elements that are necessary for successful autologous fistula creation. The hope is that these elements may be employed by others in an effort to increase the numbers and durability of autologous fistulae in incident and prevalent hemodialysis patients, particularly in the United States.