Arteriovenous fistula in functional motor disability

Abstract

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred route for vascular access in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis. Many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of perioperative hand exercise on fistula maturation. Here, we present our experience of radio cephalic AVF creation in patients with neuromuscular disorders who had difficulty performing isometric hand exercises. We created AVF in three patients with neurological disorders. First patient had essential tremor, which created difficulty during hand exercises and surgery while the other two patients had right hemiparesis. Perioperative isometric exercises have been shown to help in maturation of AVF. Due to neurological involvement, our patients had difficulty performing hand exercises. All had successful AVF despite taking longer than usual time to mature. Creation of AVF in neuromuscular diseases is feasible. A preoperative Doppler ultrasound to assess the vessels might help in making an informed decision. This might spare such patients the only functional arm.