ENHANCING PHYSICAL FUNCTION: AUTOLOGOUS ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS WITH SMALL-CALIBER VEINS AND EXPANDED ANASTOMOSIS FOR HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS—A 6-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the application and 6-month outcomes of autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) established with small-caliber veins and an expanded anastomosis strategy in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, with an emphasis on physical function and rehabilitation. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 100 uremia patients treated from February 2021 to February 2022. Based on cephalic vein diameter, patients were divided into two groups: a control group receiving conventional arteriovenous fistulas, and a study group receiving AVFs from small-caliber veins using an expanded anastomosis strategy. We compared general patient information, treatment effectiveness, quality of life, complication rates, and postoperative outcomes between the groups. Results: The study group experienced a significantly shorter time to first use of the AVF (47.01±1.00 days) compared to the control group, along with higher success rates in fistula surgery (all P < 0.05). Quality of life scores in the study group significantly outperformed those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the study group showed a lower total incidence of complications and a 6-month patency rate of 90.38%, significantly better than the control group (all P < 0.05). Follow-up was comprehensive, with no subjects lost. Conclusion: Establishing autogenous arteriovenous fistulas using small-caliber veins with an expanded anastomosis strategy not only improves surgical success rates and patient quality of life but also reduces complication rates and enhances patency. Importantly, these benefits contribute to better physical function and facilitate more effective rehabilitation in hemodialysis patients, underscoring the method’s substantial value for clinical application and widespread adoption.