Cephalic vein and radial artery diameter in formation of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula: a systematic review.

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the optimal range of cephalic vein and radial artery diameter following preoperative duplex imaging to enhance maturation and primary patency of Brescia-Cimino radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula.MethodsA systematic review and meta-aggregation of literature from 1966 to January 2015 in English language and adult subjects in Pubmed, OVID, CINHAL and Cochrane database was conducted.ResultsThis search produced a total of thirty-six (n = 36) articles. Following the application of recruitment criteria, only twelve articles (n = 12) were found eligible. Their quality was assessed by Oxford Critical Appraisal skills Programme (CASP) and their recommendation for practice was examined through National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).ConclusionsThe current literature suggests that the optimal range of radial artery for maximum performance (maturation and primary patency) of RCAVF is at least 2 mm (level 2, grade a). The cephalic vein diameter of at least ...