Comparison of different techniques for the management of venous steno-occlusive lesions during placement of peripherally inserted central catheter.

The purpose of this study is to investigate strategies for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in patients with venous steno-occlusive lesion (VSOL). We performed a retrospective cohort study in adults with central or peripheral VSOL who underwent PICC placement procedures from January 2015 to December 2018. Four different strategies [selecting alternative pathway/over the wire (SAP/OTW), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), re-puncture in ipsilateral arm (RIA), and catheter placement in the contralateral arm (CICA)] were analyzed and we compared the clinical outcomes by strategy and compared the strategy between central and peripheral VSOLs. During 4 years, 258 PICC procedures performed in patients with VSOLs, 100 PICC were included in the analysis. The overall technical success rate of initial attempt with SAP/OTW was 32.2%. As a second-line technique, PTA was most frequently used in both central (100%) and peripheral (68.2%) VSOL groups. The clinical success rates within 2 months of SAP/OTW, PTA, RIA, CICA were 55.2%, 43.2%, 14.3%, and 33.3%, respectively (P = 0.24). In conclusion, when the SAP/OTW failed, the PTA can be preferred as a second-line technique for both central and peripheral VSOLs. When guidewire passage fails, the operator could adopt the RIA or CICA technique as an alternative method.

Safety and feasibility of 3-month interval access and flushing for maintenance of totally implantable central venous port system in colorectal cancer patients after completion of curative intended treatments.

ABSTRACT: Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with curative intent surgery undergo continuous fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion-based chemotherapy using totally implantable central venous port system (TICVPS) in cases with high risk of recurrence. Approximately 30% of patients relapse after therapy completion, especially within 2 years. Hence, many patients with high risk CRC keep the TICVPS for 6 to 24 months after treatment with regular intervals of TICVPS flushing. However, little is known about the proper interval duration of the port. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a 3 months extended interval is safe and if port maintenance is feasible.A retrospective cohort was compiled of patients with CRC who underwent curative intent surgery and perioperative chemotherapy using TICVPS between 2010 and 2017. The primary end point was TICVPS maintenance rate, including maintenance of TICVPS for at least 6 months, planned TICVPS removal after 6 months, and regaining the use of TICVPS at the time of recurrence.A total of 214 patients with CRC underwent curative intent treatments during the study period. Among them, 60 patients were excluded, including 6 patients for early recurrence within 3 months and 54 patients with violation of flushing interval. Finally, 154 patients were analyzed. Mean flushing interval was 98.4 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.2-100.6; range, 60-120). In December 2018, 35 patients kept the TICVPS, 92 patients had planned removal, 25 patients reused the TICVPS, and 2 patients had to unexpectedly remove the TICVPS due to site infection and pain. Thus, the functional TICVPS maintenance rate was 98.8% (152/154). Thirty-eight patients relapsed, and 30 patients were treated with intravenous chemotherapy. Among them, 25 patients (83.3%) reused the maintained TICVPS without a reinsertion procedures.Our study demonstrated that 3-month interval access and flushing is safe and feasible for maintaining TICVPS during surveillance of patients with CRC. An extended interval up to 3 months can be considered because it is compatible with CRC surveillance visit schedules.

Predialysis nephrology care amongst Palestinian hemodialysis patients and its impact on initial vascular access type.

Referral time for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to nephrologists and initial vascular access method are considered significant factors that impact health outcomes at the time of hemodialysis (HD) initiation. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is strongly recommended as initial access. However, little is known about the referral rate among ESRD receiving HD in Palestine and its correlation with AVF creation. In Ramallah Hemodialysis Center, we investigated the pre-dialysis nephrology care and AVF usage in 156 patients. Type of access at HD initiation was temporary central venous catheter (CVC) in 114 (73%), tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) in 21 (13%) and AVF in 21 (13%). Out of all participants, 120 (77%) were seen by nephrologist prior to dialysis. Of the participants who initiated dialysis with a CVC, 36 (31%) had not received prior nephrology care. All participants who initiated dialysis with functional AVF had received prior nephrology care. Patients who were not seen by a nephrologist prior to HD initiation had no chance at starting HD with AVF, whereas 17% of those who had nephrology care >12 months started with AVF. In conclusion, a relatively large percentage of Palestinian HD patients who were maintained on HD did not have any predialysis nephrology care. In addition, patients who received predialysis nephrology care were significantly more likely to start their HD through AVF whereas all those without predialysis nephrology care started through CVC. More in-depth national studies focusing on improving nephrology referral in ESRD patients are needed to increase AVF utilization.

Catéter venoso central y sus complicaciones / Central Venous Catheter and its complications

Resumen El empleo de catéter venoso central en la práctica clínica ha surgido como una opción de acceso vascular en pacientes con estancias hospitalarias prolongadas por diversas patologías del nuevo espectro epidemiológico. Se le llama así a un acceso al torrente sanguíneo a nivel central, para la administración de medicamentos entre otras funciones. Existen varios tipos de catéter venoso central, dependiendo de la necesidad del paciente así se elige el indicado. Sin embargo, las infecciones por el uso de dichos instrumentos invasivos, así como otras complicaciones no infecciosas, divididas en inmediatas como lo son la punción arterial, el sangrado, neumotórax o hemotórax, arritmia, embolismo aéreo o malposición del catéter y complicaciones tardías entre estas la estenosis venosa, trombosis venosa, la migración de catéter, la perforación miocárdica o el daño nervioso plantean un nuevo reto para la medicina actual. Este artículo describe las complicaciones, el manejo respectivo de cada una y estrategias para reducir la incidencia de las mismas.

Abstract The use of central venous catheter in clinical practice has emerged as a vascular access option in patients with prolonged hospital stays due to various pathologies of the new epidemiological spectrum. This is called an access to the bloodstream at the central level for the administration of medications and among other functions. There are several types of central venous catheters, depending on the patient's need so the one chosen is chosen. However, infections due to the use of such invasive instruments, as well as other non-infectious complications divided into immediate ones such as arterial puncture, bleeding, pneumothorax or hemothorax, arrhythmia, air embolism or catheter malposition and late complications between them venous stenosis, venous thrombosis, catheter migration, myocardial perforation or nerve damage pose a new challenge for current medicine. During this article it is presented as well as the complications, the respective management of each one is described and how to reduce their incidence.

The 100 top-cited systematic reviews/meta-analyses in central venous catheter research: A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The central venous catheter is used extensively worldwide. The purpose of this bibliometric analysis was to identify the 100 top-cited systematic reviews/meta-analyses in the literature on central venous catheters and to capture the most important trends in this area of research. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection on studies published prior to November 12th, 2019. The search terms included central venous catheter, systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved studies were ranked by citation number and selected by two of the authors. Information such as citation number, author, institution, country and year of publication was collected. RESULTS: The 100 top-cited studies published between 1992 and 2017 were reviewed, with the largest proportion published in 2008 (n = 17). The number of citations ranged from 14 to 660. The country with the largest number of studies was the United States of America (n = 36). Critical Care Medicine published the greatest number of these studies (n = 13). The largest number of these studies were focused on central venous catheter-related infection (n = 56) and thrombosis (n = 19). CONCLUSION: Developed countries were the most productive in the field of central venous catheters. Most meta-analyses focused on complications associated with central-venous catheters such as infection and thrombosis.

A Novel Inside-out Access Approach for Hemodialysis Catheter Placement in Patients With Thoracic Central Venous Occlusion.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Left-sided internal jugular and all subclavian central venous catheters (CVCs) cause thoracic central vein occlusions (TCVOs) more often than right-sided internal jugular catheters. To enable right-sided CVC placement in patients with TCVO, an inside-out access (IOA) approach was established at 3 vascular access centers in Europe involving use of a novel IOA device advanced from the right femoral vein. In the current analysis, we assessed the eligibility and success rate of this IOA approach in a cohort of patients with TCVO requiring a tunneled dialysis catheter. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 36 patients with TCVO treated in Vienna, Austria; Oxford, England; or Cologne, Germany, who required hemodialysis access between July 2016 and June 2018. EXPOSURE: Application of the IOA approach to gain vascular access. OUTCOME: The primary end point was the success rate of passing the TCVO to gain dialysis access using the IOA approach. Secondary end points were catheter patency at 3 months and procedure-related complications (early infections, bleeding, hematoma, and pericardial effusions). ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Descriptive statistics to characterize eligibility, success rate, and complications of the IOA approach. RESULTS: 36 patients with TCVO and history of multiple CVCs and arteriovenous fistulas were referred to the participating centers for vascular access. 32 (89%) patients were eligible for the IOA approach. 39 treatments were performed, with 7 patients undergoing the IOA procedure a second time more than 3 months after initial CVC placement. Dialysis access was established successfully in 38 of 39 (97%) implementations of the IOA procedure. Median intervention time was 43 minutes. No complications occurred. LIMITATIONS: No comparison to other methods to place CVCs and the observational study design. CONCLUSIONS: The IOA approach is a promising method to enable rapid access to the right jugular vein in the setting of pre-existing TCVO. Additional experience is needed to understand the generalizability of these observations.

Impact of an oral nutrition protocol in patients treated with elective radical cystectomy: a long term follow-up.

Background After radical cystectomy, delayed return of bowel function is relatively common. Although studies investigating on the best modality for delivering nutritional support to this patient group are limited, parenteral nutrition was standard of care in those patients at the urological ward of the University Hospitals Leuven. In 2015, we published the findings from our study conducted in patients undergoing elective regular radical cystectomy at the urological ward of the University Hospitals Leuven comparing the length of hospital stay in patients with early postoperative parenteral nutrition (n = 48) versus an immediate oral nutrition protocol (n = 46). It was demonstrated that the implementation of an oral nutrition protocol was associated with a significant reduced length of hospital stay (median [IQR] of 18 [15-22] to 14 [13-18] days (p < 0.001)). The sample size was however too small to investigate the impact of the oral nutrition protocol on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection, a common parenteral nutrition related complication. Objective To investigate the long term impact of an oral nutrition protocol on the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection, duration of catheterization and the length of hospital stay. Method Retrospectively, before (parenteral nutrition group) and after the implementation of the oral nutrition protocol (since March 10th 2010), two cohorts of 549 patients who underwent an elective regular radical cystectomy were included. The incidence of a catheter-related bloodstream infection and the length of stay were compared. A central venous catheter was present in every patient, which is standard of care. Results Catheter-related bloodstream infection was reduced from 22 (4%) to 10 (1.8%) (p = 0.031). The median duration of catheterization was 10 [7-13] days for the parenteral nutrition versus 7 [7-7] days for the oral nutrition group (p < 0.001). The median length of stay between both groups, 20 [17-25] before versus 17 [14-21] days after the implementation of the oral nutrition protocol, also differed significantly (p < 0.001). Implementing the oral nutrition protocol resulted in a parenteral nutrition associated cost saving of €470 per patient. Conclusion This large follow-up study showed that the oral nutrition protocol is associated with a reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infection. Besides, postponing parenteral nutrition in favour of oral nutrition enhances recovery.

Utilization, patency, and complications associated with vascular access for hemodialysis in the United States.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the utilization and outcomes of vascular access for long-term hemodialysis in the United States and describes the impact of temporizing catheter use on outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence, patency, and associated patient survival for pre-emptively placed autogenous fistulas and prosthetic grafts; for autogenous fistulas and prosthetic grafts placed after a temporizing catheter; and for hemodialysis catheters that remained in use. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients who initiated hemodialysis in the United States during a 5-year period (2007-2011). The United States Renal Data System-Medicare matched national database was used to compare outcomes after pre-emptive autogenous fistulas, preemptive prosthetic grafts, autogenous fistula after temporizing catheter, prosthetic graft after temporizing catheter, and persistent catheter use. Outcomes were primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, maturation, catheter-free dialysis, severe access infection, and mortality. RESULTS: There were 73,884 (16%) patients who initiated hemodialysis with autogenous fistula, 16,533 (3%) who initiated hemodialysis with prosthetic grafts, 106,797 (22%) who temporized with hemodialysis catheter prior to autogenous fistula use, 32,890 (7%) who temporized with catheter prior to prosthetic graft use, and 246,822 (52%) patients who remained on the catheter. Maturation rate and median time to maturation were 79% vs 84% and 47 days vs 29 days for pre-emptively placed autogenous fistulas vs prosthetic grafts. Primary patency (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.28; P < .001) and primary assisted patency (aHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.35-1.38; P < .001) were significantly higher for autogenous fistula compared with prosthetic grafts. Secondary patency was higher for autogenous fistulas beyond 2 months (aHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.32-1.40; P < .001). Severe infection (aHR, 9.6; 95% CI, 8.86-10.36; P < .001) and mortality (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.27-1.31; P < .001) were higher for prosthetic grafts compared with autogenous fistulas. Temporizing with a catheter was associated with a 51% increase in mortality (aHR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.48-1.53; P < .001), 69% decrease in primary patency (aHR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.31-0.32; P < .001), and 130% increase in severe infection (aHR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.2-2.5; P < .001) compared to initiation with autogenous fistulas or prosthetic grafts. Mortality was 2.2 times higher for patients who remained on catheters compared to those who initiated hemodialysis with autogenous fistulas (aHR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.21-2.28; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Temporizing catheter use was associated with higher mortality, higher infection, and lower patency, thus undermining the highly prevalent approach of electively using catheters as a bridge to permanent access. Autogenous fistulas are associated with longer time to catheter-free dialysis but better patency, lower infection risk, and lower mortality compared with prosthetic grafts in the general population.

Prevalence and correlates of central venous catheter use among haemodialysis patients in the Irish health system - a national study.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVC) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD), yet they are frequently used as the primary vascular access for many patients on HD. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence and variation in CVC use across centres in the Irish health system. METHODS: Data from the National Kidney Disease Clinical Patient Management System (KDCPMS) was used to determine CVC use and patterns across centres. Data on demographic characteristics, primary cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), comorbid conditions, laboratory values and centre affiliation were extracted for adult HD patients (n = 1, 196) who were on dialysis for at least three months up to end of December 2016. Correlates of CVC use were explored using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of CVC use was 54% and varied significantly across clinical sites from 43% to 73%, P < 0.001. In multivariate analysis, the likelihood of CVC use was lower with increasing dialysis vintage, OR 0.40 (0.26-0.60) for 4 years vs 1 year vintage, rising serum albumin, OR 0.73 (0.59-0.90) per 5 g/L), and with cystic disease as a cause of ESKD, OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.21-0.6). In contrast, catheter use was greater for women than men, OR 1.77 (1.34-2.34) and for 2 out of 10 regional dialysis centres, OR 1.98 (1.02-3.84) and OR 2.86 (1.67-4.90) respectively compared to referent group). CONCLUSIONS: Catheters are the predominant type of vascular access in patients undergoing HD in the Irish health system. Substantial centre variation exists which is not explained by patient-level characteristics.

Decreasing dialysis catheter rates by creating a multidisciplinary dialysis access program.

INTRODUCTION:: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have determined that chronic dialysis units should have <12% of their patients utilizing central venous catheters for hemodialysis treatments. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the central venous catheter rates in the dialysis units averaged >45%. A multidisciplinary program was established with goals of decreasing catheter rates in order to decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections, decrease mortality associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection, decrease hospital days, and provide savings to the healthcare system. METHODS:: We collected the catheter rates within three dialysis centers served over a 5-year period. Using published data surrounding the incidence and related costs of central line-associated bloodstream infection and mortality per catheter day, the number of central line-associated bloodstream infection events, the costs, and the related mortality could be determined prior to and after the initiation of the dialysis access program. RESULTS:: An organized dialysis access program resulted in a 82% decrease in the number of central venous catheter days which lead to a concurrent reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infection and deaths. As a result of creating an access program, central venous catheter rates decreased from an average rate of 45% to 8%. The cost savings related to the program was calculated to be over US$5 million. The decrease in the number of mortalities is estimated to be between 13 and 27 patients. CONCLUSION:: We conclude that a formalized access program decreases catheter rates, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and the resultant hospitalizations, mortality, and costs. Areas with high hemodialysis catheter rates should develop access programs to better serve their patient population.

Impacto del programa de prevención de infección del catéter venoso central en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos / Impact of infecion prevention program central venous catheter in Intensive Care Units

Introducción. La canalización de vías venosas centrales (CVC) es una técnica utilizada en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) no exenta de riesgo de infección en la colocación y en su posterior manipulación. Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de prevención e infección tras la incorporación de nuevas estrategias multifactoriales, en el programa de prevención de la bacteriemia relacionada con catéter (BRC) en UCI. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo comparativo en dos periodos. Incluidos todos los pacientes ingresados en dos UCI polivalentes de un hospital de tercer nivel el año 2014. Se analizaron los datos de 2014 en comparación con los de 2013 para comprobar el impacto de las nuevas medidas del programa de prevención de BRC. Variables: n.º de catéteres, n.º infecciones/1000 días de catéter y vía de acceso. Las actuaciones realizadas han sido: vigilancia prospectiva de la tasa de incidencia, programa de prevención multifactorial secuencial con implantación de diferentes medidas, lista de comprobación de la inserción de nuevos catéteres, introducción de monitorización semanal, notificación de episodios al equipo asistencial, formación continuada al personal sanitario e implantación de los apósitos transparentes semipermeables con gel de clorhexidina. Resultados. La tasa de incidencia descendió de 3.1 episodios/ 1000 días de catéter en 2013 a 2.3 episodios/1000 días de catéter en 2014, lo que supone una mejora en las diferentes unidades. La ratio de utilización de los diferentes accesos fue: 35 % humeral; 33 % yugular; 25 % subclavia; 10 % femoral, y 13 % Shaldon. Conclusiones: Las nuevas medidas aplicadas para reducir la bacteriemia han permitido una disminución en la tasa de infección, lo que nos acerca al objetivo del programa Bacteriemia Zero (AU)

Introduction. The channeling of central venous catheters (CVC) is a technique used in intensive care units (ICUs ) but it doesn’t come without the risk of infection in the placement and subsequent handling. Objective. Evaluate the effectiveness of a prevention of infection following the introduction of new multifactorial strategies in the prevention program Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) at ICU. Methodology. Comparative descriptive study in two periods, including all patients admitted in multipurpose ICUs of a tertiary hospital 2014. Were analyzed 2014 data comparated with 2013, to test the impact of new measures CRB prevention program. Variables: number of catheters, number of infections/1000 catheter days and path. Actions carried out were: prospective surveillance of the incidence rate, sequential program multifactorial prevention implementation of different measures, checklist for insertion of new catheters, introduction of weekly monitoring compliance, reporting episodes team care, continuing education for sanitary personal and implementation of the semipermeable transparent dressings with chlorhexidine gel. Results. The overall incidence density rate decreased from 3.1 episodes/1000 catheter days in 2013 to 2.3 episodes/1000 catheter days in 2014, improving in different units. The utilization ratio of the different accesses was: 35 % humeral; 33 % jugular; 25 % subclavian; 10 % femoral, and 13 % hemodialysis catheter. Conclusions. The new measures applied to reduce the bacteremia have allowed a decrease in the rate of infection, what brings closer to the objective of the Bacteremia Zero program (AU)

Catéter venoso central de inserción periférica con sistema de tambor / Peripherally inserted central venous catheter through drum system

Se describe un catéter venoso central de una luz de inserción periférica con sistema tambor cuya introducción en el interior de la vena se realiza a través de una cánula plástica pelable mediante técnica braunula. La técnica braunula adquiere una especial importancia en determinadas situaciones de urgencia o emergencia, en donde la rapidez y asepsia con las que se realiza el procedimiento suponen una mejora adicional frente a otras técnicas de inserción. El catéter mantiene todas las ventajas, en cuanto a facilidad de colocación, que poseen los dispositivos dotados de tambor, y elimina las complicaciones que presentan otros catéteres de características similares en los que el paso del catéter a la circulación venosa se realizaba a través de una aguja. Estos catéteres posibilitan el acceso rápido, sencillo y seguro a la circulación central y reducen riesgos relacionados con el procedimiento, lo que mejora la seguridad del paciente (AU)

It described a one lumen central venous catheter peripherally inserted drum system whose insertion into the vein is performed through a plastic splittable cannula by braunula technique. The braunula technique is particularly important in certain urgent or emergency situations, where speed and aseptic conditions of which the procedure is performed represent a further improvement over other insertion techniques. The catheter mantains the advantages, in terms of easy placement, that all devices equipped with a drum system have but at the same time eliminates the complications presented by other similar catheters whose insertion to the venous circulation used to be performed through a needle. These catheters allow quick, simple and safe access to the central venous circulation and reduce risks associated with the procedure, improving patient safety (AU)

Use of long-term catheters in Japan: implant procedures, maintenance methods, and future aspects.

The Japanese society for dialysis therapy (JSDT) launched the second edition of 'Guidelines for Vascular Access Construction and Repair for Chronic Hemodialysis' concerning the vascular access in 2011. The indication of long-term catheters is strictly limited in these guidelines because of possible high risks of infections including sepsis and obstruction of catheters with thrombus. In Japan, the long-term catheters would be needed more frequently to prepare the very rapid demographic change within a decade, under the condition that the material and structure of these catheters will be more resistant against the complications.

Trends in US Vascular Access Use, Patient Preferences, and Related Practices: An Update From the US DOPPS Practice Monitor With International Comparisons.

BACKGROUND: Since the bundled end-stage renal disease prospective payment system began in 2011 in the United States, some hemodialysis practices have changed substantially, raising the question of whether vascular access practice also has changed. We describe monthly US vascular access use from August 2010 to August 2013 with international comparisons, and other aspects of US vascular access practice. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study of vascular access. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Maintenance hemodialysis patients in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) Practice Monitor (DPM) in the United States (N=3,442; US patients) and 19 other nations (N=8,478). PREDICTORS: Country, patient demographics, time period. OUTCOMES: Vascular access use, pre-end-stage renal disease access timing of first nephrologist care and arteriovenous access placement, patient self-reported vascular access preferences (United States only), treatment practices as stated by medical directors. RESULTS: In the United States from August 2010 to August 2013, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use increased from 63% to 68%, while catheter use declined from 19% to 15%. Although AVF use did not differ greatly across age groups, arteriovenous graft use was 2-fold higher among black (26%) versus nonblack US patients (13%) in 2013. Across 20 countries in 2013, AVF use ranged from 49% to 92%, whereas catheter use ranged from 1% to 45%. Patient-reported vascular access preferences differed by sex and race, with 16% to 20% of patients feeling uninformed regarding benefits/risks of different vascular access types. Among new (incident) US hemodialysis patients, AVF use remains low, with ∼70% initiating hemodialysis therapy with a catheter (60% starting with catheter when having ≥4 months of predialysis nephrology care). In the United States, longer typical times to first AVF cannulation were reported. LIMITATIONS: Noncompletion of surveys may affect the generalizability of findings to the wider hemodialysis population. CONCLUSIONS: AVF use has increased, with catheter use decreasing among prevalent US hemodialysis patients since the introduction of the prospective payment system. However, AVF use at dialysis therapy initiation remains low, suggesting that reforms affecting predialysis care may be necessary to incentivize improvements in fistula rates at dialysis therapy initiation as achieved for prevalent hemodialysis patients.