WCN25-2857 Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Creation by Nephrologists in a Tertiary Institute in India

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for maintenance hemodialysis due to its lower complication rates and superior long-term patency. However, despite recommendations for a 'fistula-first' approach, many patients in our setting initiate dialysis with tunneled or non-tunneled catheters. Delays in AVF creation are often due to late referral to nephrologists, patient comorbidities, or a lack of timely surgical evaluation. As a result, these patients experience multiple catheter placements and a high incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).