Maintenance of arteriovenous fistula created at Caucaia Nefrology Center-CE

Abstract

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the most commonly used permanent access in hemodialysis once it has a long-term durability. This study aims to analyze factors related to AVF failure. It is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, performed at a hemodialysis center located in the city of Caucaia, State of Ceará. The study included 25 patients with a functioning AVF who had had at least one AVF failure. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Results concerning sociodemographic aspects were: the group was composed of 11 women and 14 men aged between 20 and 70 years of age; non-white skin color was predominant. Many of the patients were retired/pensioners who had not finished elementary school. Occurrence of bruises and hypotension were the complications detected. Results related to AVF failure were: hypotension, strong movements and occurrence of trauma on the AVF arm. Most patients consider themselves well informed about AVF care and say they take good care of it. Considering these results, we realize that although hemodialisys patients have some knowledge about fistula care, health professionals' teams need to provide objective and concise information about AVF maintenance.