Patient factors and haemodialysis arteriovenous fistula outcomes

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) improve survival and morbidity for most haemodialysis (HD) patients. Are they better for all patients? In the enthusiastic pursuit of AVFs for all, concerns have been raised regarding high primary AVF failure rates, continued high incident central venous catheter (CVC) use in some countries, and the limited life expectancy of some HD patients. “Fistula first” is changing to “catheter last”. The focus must be on decreasing AVF failure to mature and decreasing incident CVC use. An optimal outcome should be sought for each individual patient, and multiple failed attempts at AVF creation avoided.