Treatment of stenotic lesions in dialysis access fistulas and shunts by transluminal angioplasty.

Abstract

The results of treatment by transluminal angioplasty of 16 stenotic lesions in dialysis access fistulas and shunts are presented. Fifteen patients with obstructed veins and 1 with arterial obstruction were included. Successful initial dilatation was achieved in 15 of the 16 lesions. Long-term success, defined as the ability of the patient to continue to use the dialysis access vessel, was accomplished in 10 of 16 cases. The indications for angiographic study of fistulas, methods for selection of patients and methods of angioplasty are presented, with emphasis on the nonsurgical preservation of dialysis access vessels.