Stenotic lesions in dialysis-access fistulas: treatment by transluminal angioplasty using high-pressure balloons.

Eighty-four balloon dilatations of dialysis-access fistulas have been performed over a five year period. Fifty-two were done with polyethylene balloons and the last 32 with high-pressure Olbert balloons. Initial success was significantly greater with the high-pressure balloons, but long-term patency rates were similar. Use of high-pressure balloons and long inflation times is the method of choice for dilating venostenotic lesions in access fistulas.