[Some blood flow parameters of forearm arteries in patients with "sleeve" arteriovenous shunts].

UNLABELLED

The aim of the study was estimation of some blood flow parameters in arteries of both forearms in patients with "sleeve" arterio-venous fistula (AVF) created for hemodialysis. From 1988 to 1996 145 radio-cephalic AVF's with "sleeve" anastomoses were created in our Department. Duplex-Scan examinations were performed in 30 patients aged from 22 to 68 years. There are 15 women and 15 men with primary AVF lasting over 12 months. The B&K Medical System 3535 with 7.5 MHz transducer was used for all measurements. Diameter of radial artery (TP) in forearms with AVF fistula was on average 4.7 mm, and in ulnar artery (TL) 2.6 mm. In forearms without AVF diameters were, respectively 2.4 mm and 2.3 mm. Volume flow in forearms with AVF was in TP 1056, and in TL 169 ml/min. In forearms without AVF these flows were 59 and 63 ml/mm, respectively. Resistance index in forearms with AVF was 0.29 in TR and 0.47 in TL, however in forearms without AVF 0.76 in both arteries. Pulsatility index on the side of AVF was 0.8 in TR and 1.8 in TL, however on the side without AVF 4.1 in both arteries. These differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

1. In arteries of forearm with AVF diameter and volume blood flow increases, however resistance and pulsatility indices decreases. 2. Volume flow in ulnar artery in forearms with AVF is similar to flow in both arteries in forearm without AVF.