Comparison of Arteriovenous Fistulas and Arteriovenous Grafts in Patients with Favorable Vascular Anatomy and Equivalent Access to Health Care: Is a Reappraisal of the Fistula First Initiative Indicated?

Abstract

For patients who are receiving dialysis via catheter at the time of access placement, the maturation time, risk of nonmaturation, and interventions required to achieve a functional AVF can negate its benefits over AVG. A fistula first approach might not always apply to patients who are already on dialysis when referred for chronic access placement.