Resolution of high-output cardiac failure secondary to high flow radiocephalic fistula by precision banding under ultrasound guidance: A case report

Background: The creation of dialysis shunt affects hemodynamic and cardiac function. High-output cardiac failure may occur if dialysis access volume flow is greater than 1500 to 2000 mls/min. To resolve symptoms of cardiac failure due to high flow dialysis shunt requires flow reduction procedure. We describe successful resolution of symptoms of heart failure due to excessive flow dialysis access by adopting precision banding, totally under vascular ultrasound guidance without angiography. Case: Hemodialysis adult patient uses the right arm radiocephalic fistula for 4 years. Recently, the patient presented with symptoms of high-output cardiac failure, including dyspnea, palpitations, fatigue, and orthopnea. The cardiac unit excluded all other causes of cardiac failure and referred the patient to our center for further evaluation. Ultrasonography revealed high blood volume flow measuring 3100 mls/min at brachial artery, marking high flow fistula and the underlying cause of cardiac failure. Juxta-anastomotic segment of fistula vein was identified; 3 mm diameter balloon was advanced to the juxta-anastomotic segment and maximally inflated. Two precision bandings were made on this segment, 1 to 2 cm apart with flow reduction to 691 mls/min. All steps of the procedure were done under ultrasound guidance without angiography. All symptoms were significantly alleviated immediately following the procedure. The patient was discharged after 48 h of monitoring. At 6 months, the patient was stable, no recurrence of high flow access, no signs or symptoms of cardiac failure, and the flow was 1119 mls/min. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that the precision banding procedure is feasible under ultrasound guidance, and the procedure is safe and effective in resolution of cardiac failure due to high flow radiocephalic fistula.