Preoperative Arteriovenous Fistula Simulation Study (ShuntSimulationStudy)

Plain-language summary

Patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are dependent on renal replacement therapy (dialysis). The majority of dialysis is facilitated by hemodialysis. For hemodialysis a vascular access is necessary, preferable an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in which a vein is directly anastomosed to an artery. In order to use the AVF for hemodialysis three criteria have to be met; the minimal flow over the AVF is 600 mL/min, the diameter is at least 6 mm, and the AVF is located less than 6 mm under the skin. Unfortunately, approximately half of the patients (50%) are confronted with an AVF that does not meet these criteria; the so called non-maturation or primary failure. In case of non-maturation the AVF is not only unusable for dialysis, but also requires reinterventions on short- and long-term. Firstly to mature the AVF, and secondly, when the AVF is matured, to keep the vascular access. Using a computational simulation postoperative flow can be predicted. Based on patient-specific duplex measurements, the model can calculate the flow that can be expected following vascular access surgery for all AVF configurations; fore- or upper arm. These calculations lead to an advice which configuration is indicated; a flow that exceeds 600 mL/min, leading to maturation. Potentially the aforementioned 50% of non-maturation can be reduced. The patient then has an adequate vascular access and reinterventions are adverted, resulting in a decrease of costs, hospital demand, and an increase of the patients' quality of life. When the expected reduction of non-maturation is confirmed, the computational tool can be offered to other hospitals.

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