Pull-through technique through antegrade radial artery puncture without sheath insertion in balloon-assisted radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas maturation

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the pull-through technique through antegrade radial artery puncture without sheath insertion in balloon-assisted radiocephalic AVF maturation. Methods We retrospective studied a total of 62 patients with immature radiocephalic AVF, who received balloon-assisted maturation in our hospital. 15 patients received pull-through technique through radial artery without sheath insertion and 47 patients received treatment through a regular venous approach. Results The success rate of pull-through technique group and control group was 86.7% (13 out of 15), 89.1% (41 out of 46) respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). In our study, there were 2 patients in the pull-through technique group and 3 patients in the control group, which had hematoma in the vein puncture site (P = 0.59). There were also no differences in the primary patency rate between two groups at 6 months and 12 months (76.9% vs 70.7%, 38.4% vs 41.5%, respectively, P > 0.05). Conclusion The pull-through technique through antegrade radial artery without sheath insertion in promoting radiocephalic AVF maturation is effective and safe.