Two-year patency rates of drug-coated balloon angioplasty for radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula juxta-anastomotic stenosis: A single-center study

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess primary and secondary patency rates and the need for reintervention after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty performed for juxta-anastomotic AVF stenoses. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent DCB angioplasty for AVF stenosis between May 2019 and December 2023. Information on reinterventions was obtained from medical records, while AVF functional patency was assessed through Duplex Ultrasound Scanning. The primary outcomes measured were patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: The study included 69 patients. The average age was 61.4 ± 12.7 years, with 45 (65.2%) being male. Primary patency rates were 72.5% (50/69), 46.4% (32/69), and 30.4% (21/69) at 6, 12, 24 months, respectively. Secondary patency rates were 85.5% (59/69), 59.4% (41/69), and 46.4% (32/69). DISCUSSION: DCB angioplasty shows acceptable mid-term primary patency and sustained longer-term secondary patency for treating juxta-anastomotic stenosis in primary RC AVFs. Notably, the secondary patency rates indicate that re-interventions can help preserve the access circuit.