title: The role of percutaneous angioplasty in the management of chronic hemodialysis fistulas.
abstract: One hundred forty-one dilatations of stenotic lesions in dialysis access fistulas were performed. The initial success rate was 82%. The one-year patency rate was 45%, with a 2-year patency rate of 24%. Best results were obtained with a discrete stenosis at a graft-to-vein anastomosis. The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and, although long-term results are poor, in appropriate patients multiple dilatations can be performed to keep a fistula functioning for many years.
mesh_terms: D000783:Aneurysm / Q000628:therapy*; D000792:Angiography; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014654:Vascular Patency