Distal-to-Snuffbox Arteriovenous Fistula

Abstract

The dogma for optimal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation is based on starting as distally as possible on the upper limb and progressing proximally. We herein present our findings of an AVF that is as distal as possible on the hand. To document primary patency rates of the distal-to-snuffbox AVF. A 10-year prospective study (2006–2016) involving 31 patients whose distal cephalic vein diameter was ≥3 mm with a normal Allen's test was conducted. Patients were excluded if the radial artery in the wrist was highly calcified, the cephalic vein did not dilate more than 3 mm with proximal compression, and there was previously failed AVF of the limb or previous trauma to the limb. The procedure was performed under local anesthetic, and the anastomosis performed with a 6.0 polypropylene suture in an end-to-side fashion. Thirty-one patients with end-stage renal disease underwent distal vascular access using the distal-to-snuffbox (Hitchhiker's) AVF (HAVF). During follow-up, eight patients died with an adequately functioning HAVF. The primary patency rates at 12, 24, 48, and 60 months were 90, 87, 85, and 82%, respectively. Failure occurred in six (19%) cases over the follow-up period, two in the first 2 weeks and four over a span of 60 months. Conclusion The creation of radiocephalic AVFs in the first web space, distal to the tendon of the extensor pollicis longus, serves as a viable option with acceptable success rates. This allows the surgeon more options with proper patient selection for this procedure.