Efficacy of blood flow measurement using intraoperative color flow Doppler ultrasound as a predictor of autologous arteriovenous fistula maturation

Introduction: Hemodialysis vascular access parameters of intraoperative Color flow Doppler ultrasound remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the optimal cut-off value and efficacy of intraoperative arteriovenous fistula parameters identified by Color flow Doppler ultrasound for arteriovenous fistula maturation success. Methods: This retrospective study consisted of a review of the medical records of 137 consecutive patients who underwent their first autologous arteriovenous fistula formation under local anesthesia for end-stage renal disease from April 9, 2020 to March 19, 2021. Results: The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off for intraoperative cephalic vein flow volume for brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula maturation at the 4-week follow-up was 349.53 ml/min (area under the curve, 0.792; p, 0.036; Youden index, 0.514). Conclusion: Intraoperative color Doppler ultrasound outflow cephalic vein flow volume is a useful factor in predicting arteriovenous fistula maturation. Intraoperative Color flow Doppler ultrasound should be performed.