Choice of vascular access in patients undergoing haemodialysis: Cimino-brescia arteriovenous fistula remains the first choice and central venous catheter the last

Background-Aim The aim of the present study was to examine the choice of vascular access in our department during the last 3 years in comparison to other centres. Patients-Methods This report includes all patients undergoing intervention for vascular access in the Department of Vascular Surgery in Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece between May 2008 and May 2011. All patients were retrospectively identified and the type and anatomical location of vascular access were recorded. Results Overall, 835 patients were identified (568 men, 267 women, mean age 65.5 years) in whom 915 interventions for vascular access were carried out. AVFs were created in 152 patients; arteriovenous grafts were placed in 227 patients. We also used 163 permanent and 301 temporary CVCs. Finally, vascular access was successfully repaired in 72 patients. Conclusions Although CVCs are being increasingly used worldwide, Cimino-Brescia AVF should remain the first choice and permanent CVCs the last. In line with recent literature, permanent CVCs were used in approximately 20% of patients. This underlines the room for improvement, and should be reduced to less than 10%, in accordance with current guidelines.