Native arteriovenous fistula placement in three patients after implantation of a left ventricular assist device with non-pulsatile blood flow

Schaefers J., Ertmer C.

Abstract

Patients with left ventricular assist device have an increased risk for postoperative acute kidney injury and long-term requirement of dialysis. As a chronic access for dialysis, native arteriovenous fistulae are uncommon options due to suspected maturation failure. We present three patients who received successful arteriovenous fistulae placement after left ventricular assist device implantation with assisted long term patency.