¹Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa city, Iowa, USA

Correspondence: BS Dixon, Nephrology Division, University of Iowa School of Medicine, E300D GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa city, Iowa 52242-1081, USA. E-mail: bradley-dixon@uiowa.edu

Received 13 March 2006; Revised 17 June 2006; Accepted 20 June 2006; Published online 2 August 2006.

Abstract

Fistula maturation requires a compliant and responsive vasculature capable of dilating in response to the increased velocity of blood flowing into the newly created low-resistance circuit. Successful maturation to a high volume flow circuit capable of sustaining hemodialysis typically occurs within the first few weeks after creation. Failure to achieve maturation within 4–8 weeks should prompt a search for reversible etiologies; however, an accepted definition of maturation, particularly for patients not yet on dialysis remains elusive. The most commonly identified etiology is neointimal hyperplasia typically occurring in the juxta-anastomotic vein. However, failed maturation has also been reported secondary to impaired arterial and venous dilation and accessory veins. The exact frequency of each of these etiologies is unclear. Understanding the etiologies of impaired fistula maturation will focus future studies of targeted interventions to improve the rate of fistula maturation and increase the number of dialysis patients with a functioning autogenous fistula.