Patency and functionality of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas with an external support device (VasQ™): Real-world single-center experience

BACKGROUND: The VasQ(TM) device was designed to improve the outcome of arteriovenous fistulae by optimizing the hemodynamics of the flow in the juxta-anastomotic region of the arteriovenous fistulae through tailored external support. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the VasQ on outcome of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae in a real-world setting. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with either fistula creation before or after dialysis initiation with implantation of the VasQ device during creation of end-to-side radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae between June 2018 and May 2019. The flow rate and vein diameter were evaluated intraoperatively, at discharge within 48 h postprocedure and at a follow-up of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: Thirty-three VasQ devices were implanted during 33 radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula procedures. The study population comprised mostly of men, with an average age of 66 years. Mean intraoperative flow was 428 mL/min (range: 130–945). All patients were discharged with patent arteriovenous fistulae and mean fistula flow of 740 mL/min (range: 230–1300 mL/min). The primary patency was 100% and 79% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Cumulative/secondary patency was 100% and 90% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Data presented here suggest that the VasQ device has the potential to provide benefit to the functionality of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulae.