Outcomes of Single‐Stage Compared to Two‐Stage Basilic Vein Transposition Fistulae

Basilic vein transposition (BVT) fistulae are increasing in prevalence in the United States. We examined outcomes of BVT fistulae created in a single stage compared to those created in two stages. Prospective QA databases identified a consecutive cohort of 144 patients with BVT fistulae. Of these, 42% were created in one stage and 58% in two stages. Fistula maturation rates, mean time to fistula use and intensity of percutaneous interventions were compared; patency rates were compared from time of first intervention. Maturation rates (including assisted maturation) were 90% among 1-stage and 75% among 2-stage BVT (p = 0.02). Mean time to initiation of fistula use was 142 days (1-stage) and 146 days (2-stage) (p = 0.92). Intensity of percutaneous interventions was 1.84/patient-year of dialysis (PYD) (1-stage) and 2.15/PYD (2-stage) (p = 0.57). Secondary patency at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years for 1-stage BVT was 86%, 75%, 69%, and 57%; secondary patency at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years for 2-stage BVT was 76%, 71%, 49%, and 25%, respectively (p = 0.12). BVT creation in two stages confers only a modest reduction in maturation rates and secondary patency and therefore should be considered over a synthetic graft in patients with basilic veins deemed inadequate for 1-stage BVT.