Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to promote arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation. Methods A total of 23 patients with immature AVF in the period from Jan 2017 to May 2018 underwent PTA to promote AVF maturation at the 6th week after AVF surgery. The changes of hemodynamics in AVF after PTA for 24h were measured by Doppler ultrasonography, and the primary patency rate was observed. Results Of the 23 patients with immature AVF, 19 (82.60%) patients had type I AVF stenosis. Clinical and anatomic success of PTA were 100%. The inner diameter and blood flow at the stenosis increased significantly after PTA for 24 hours as compared with those before PTA (t= -31.630 and -27.557 respectively; P< 0.001 and < 0.001 respectively). The primary patency rates were 94.4%, 87.2% and 78.5% after PTA for 3 months, 6 months and 12 months respectively. No serious adverse complications occurred. Conclusion PTA was safe and effective to promote AVF maturation with a higher primary patency rate.

Key words: Angioplasty, Arteriovenous fistula, Ultrasound examination, Arteriovenous fistula maturation