Basilic Vein Elevation for Arteriovenous Fistula Creation: Results of 60 Cases Following 1 Year.

ABSTRACT

Basilic vein elevation (BVE) is a procedure where the basilic vein (BV) is surgically exposed, mobilized, and elevated into a more superficial position for the purpose of facilitating arteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation. The purpose of this study is to review the use of BVE as an adjunct to fistula maturation. Between January 2009 and December 2013, 60 patients received BVE. After performing the anastomosis between brachial artery and BV, the elevated vein was placed just anterior to the surgical incision, 3 to 4 mm deep. Patients' morbidity, mortality, and patency rates were evaluated. The 90-day mortality was 0%. Maturation rates were 91.6%. The mean time to maturation was 52 days (range, 25-75 days). Primary patency rate at 12 months was 90% and secondary patency rate was 95%. The mean vein size was 4.5 ± 0.5 mm. AVF surgery via BVE offers satisfactory results in patients with chronic hemodialysis.