BACKGROUND: Although the proximal radial artery has been reported as an alternative inflow to prevent steal syndrome, brachiobasilic fistula has been reported to be associated with steal syndrome in 10-20% of cases. We aimed to compare proximal radiobasilic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with brachiobasilic AVFs on the upper arm in terms of steal syndrome and outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used our institutional operative record database to identify 94 patients in whom brachiobasilic AVF (n=40) and radiobasilic AVF (n=54) were placed between January 2009 and December 2013. Postoperative complications such as steal syndrome, venous hypertension, and aneurysm were recorded.

RESULTS: Steal syndrome was determined to occur less frequently in the radiobasilic AVF group (0% vs. 10%, P=0.03). The rates of other complications (bleeding, aneurysm, venous hypertension) between the 2 groups were similar, as were the patency rates.

CONCLUSIONS: Radiobasilic AVF was effective in reducing steal syndrome, with similar early and late outcomes.

Keywords: Aneurysm, Arm, Arteriovenous Anastomosis, Arteriovenous Fistula - therapy, Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical, Renal Dialysis, Subclavian Steal Syndrome - prevention & control, Vascular Patency