In Patients with New Arteriovenous Fistulas, Are There Effective Strategies to Enhance AVF Maturation and Durability Beyond Waiting?

Autogenous arteriovenous fistulas are optimal conduits for hemodialysis due to their excellent long-term patency, low rates of infections and lower mortality rates. Yet, they are associated with a higher rate of failure to mature. As such, patient factors should be identified and modified, if possible, along with patient-centered surgical planning that includes the choice of vessels and techniques to yield the best possible outcomes for maturation. Furthermore, the postoperative period often requires a multidisciplinary team approach as arteriovenous fistula durability and maturation can be improved with appropriately timed endovascular or surgical interventions.