Basilic vein transposition-radial artery fistula created using the no-touch technique

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functions and complications of forearm basilic vein transposition-arteriovenous fistula (BVT-AVF) created using the no-touch technique with that of conventional radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RC-AVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The no-touch technique was used to created basilic vein transposition-radial artery fistula in 22 patients. Another 30 patients received surgeries for RC-AVF. The fistula functions and complications were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, limb swelling, infection, steal syndrome, fistula thrombosis, fistula aneurysm, fistula flow, fistula maturation time, Kt/v, and fistula median survival. CONCLUSION: Forearm BVT-AVF created by the no-touch technique is a good alternative access for patients in whom the standard arteriovenous fistula cannot be established.