title: Autogenous arteriovenous elbow fistula for haemodialysis and upper extremity ischemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The autogenous brachiocephalic or brachiobasilic arteriovenous elbow fistula is not considered to be only the secondary haemodialysis access. In patients with an unsuitable forearm vessel bundle, it is indicated as primary access and it is the method preferred to the fistula creation using a vascular prosthesis. Its rather rare complication is the development of upper extremity ischemia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To summarise current knowledge of this fistula type and its associated complications
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The creation and maturation of the fistula and occurrence of the steal syndrome is influenced by a number of factors. The analysis and awareness of such factors will provide for creation of a suitable fistula as well as for timely complication diagnostics and treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The autogenous elbow fistula utilising the brachial artery and the cephalic or basilic vein in the upper extremity represents a high-quality haemodialysis access. Its potential complication is the occurrence of the steal syndrome. Its occurrence and manifestations do not constitute indications for ligation of the access. The gathered information shows that a suitable surgical procedure can help meet the basic rule for haemodialysis access--resolving the ischemia and maintaining the access.
authors: 2nd Department of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic. petr.bachleda@fnol.cz
authors: Petr
authors: P
authors: Bachleda
authors: Petr
authors: P
authors: Utikal
authors: Zdenek
authors: Z
authors: Kojecky
authors: Petr
authors: P
authors: Drac
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Köcher
authors: Marie
authors: M
authors: Cerna
authors: Josef
authors: J
authors: Zadrazil
mesh_terms: D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000601:surgery; D004550:Elbow; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation