title: Superficialization of deep arteriovenous access procedures in obese patients using suction-assisted lipectomy: A novel approach.
abstract: Successful dialysis access necessitates superficial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) placement to facilitate identification of anatomical landmarks for safe cannulation. Suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) may be an alternative to traditional surgical AVF revision procedures for placing fistulas more superficially. Three patients with an average body mass index of 45.2 kg/m(2), with inaccessible AVFs due to obesity, underwent ultrasound-guided SAL of their upper extremities. Successful cannulation was achieved within two weeks. A clinically insignificant hematoma and arm swelling occurred in one patient. SAL provides a safe and effective alternative for salvaging deep AVFs for dialysis access in the upper extremities of obese patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery;
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Krochmal
authors.forename: Alanna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rebecca
authors.forename: Kristen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kalkbrenner
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fowl
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Alyssa B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Chapital
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Smith