Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of pre-operative ultrasound examination for predicting maturation of wrist radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF). Methods A total of 135 patients with the first operation of RCAVF performed from August 2016 to January 2019 were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound examination for the preparation of RCAVF was conducted before the operation. RCAVF maturation was defined as the successful cannulation of fistula with two needles, delivery of blood at a flow rate >200 ml/min and blood access via fistula for at least six consecutive sessions. A comparative analysis was performed for RCAVF outcomes. Results There were ninety-nine wrist RCAVF in the patency group, twenty-four in the dysfunctional group, and twelve cases died or changed to kidney transplantation. The RCAVF patency rate was 81% at 12 months and 77% at 24 months and 32 months. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that preoperative cephalic vein internal diameter measured by ultrasound examination was an independent risk factor for RCAVF patency (OR= 4.05, 95% CI: 1.49~11.01, P=0.006). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the cephalic vein diameter was 0.707, and the optimal threshold was 2.075 mm. Conclusion Preoperative ultrasonography for the preparation of RCAVF showed that internal diameter of the cephalic vein was the best predictor for RCAVF patency.

Key words: Wrist radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula, Color Doppler Ultrasonography, Internal diameter of cephalic vein