Follow-up evaluation of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula as an alternative site for hemodialysis - a case series in a lower-middle country

Introduction: The preferred vascular access for hemodialysis in chronic kidney disease patients is the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). It is recommended to create AVFs as distally as possible. The snuffbox, situated at the far end of the wrist, is infrequently utilized for AVF insertion due to the prevalent smaller vessel calibers. Case: This case series involves seven patients with chronic kidney disease scheduled for first AVF placement in the snuffbox region, with an average age of 56.71 years. All patients showed an average radial artery caliber of 20.3mm, a mean peak systolic velocity of 67.14 cm/s, and a cephalic vein caliber of 22.7mm, according to preoperative vascular ultrasound. The AVF placement involved an end-to-side anastomosis. All patient demonstrated anastomosis clinical maturation, the primary patency rate was 86%. Follow-up Doppler examinations revealed that patients achieving functional patency had an average caliber of 5.22mm and an average flow rate of 810.65 ml/s. Conclusion: SAVF are created less frequently due to predominantly smaller vessel caliber. However, it can be a viable alternative site for fistula implantation. Vascular mapping is required to ensure that both vessels have minimum 2 mm caliber. Maturation in SAVF have comparable results with the other sites.