The Effects of Axillary Block on Arterial and Venous Diameter and Blood Flow in Arteriovenous Fistula
Iraj Nazari*, Rasoul Rahimi, Mansour Alamshah and Farahzad JanatmakanDepartment of Vascular, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract: Brachial plexus block offers several advantages when creating vascular access for hemodialysis. Several studies have demonstrated that brachial plexus block improves arterial and venous diameter and blood flow. This study aims to evaluate the effects of axillary block on arterial and venous diameter as well as blood flow. This was a clinical trial conducted on 40patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation to evaluate the effects of axillary block on arterial and venous diameter as well as blood flow. Ultrasound-guided axillary block was performed. The variables included arterial and venous diameter and blood flow. The pre- and post-intervention values of the values were compared. The mean venous diameter significantly increased from 2.22 ± 0.11 before block to 2.52 ±0.17 after block (P=0.008). Similarly, the mean arterial diameter significantly increased from 3.3 ± 0.17 before block to 3.89 ± 0.19 after block (P=0.001). In addition, the mean pre-block arterial and venous blood flow significantly increased compared to post-block from 37.5 ± 5.1 to 55 ± 7.9 (P=0.001) and 11.1 ± 0.2 to 14.9 ± 1.8 (P=0.001), respectively. Brachial block with axillary approach increases arterial and venous diameters and blood flow and these benefits may be decrease the early failure of arteriovenous fistula.
Keywords: Brachial Plexus Block; Arteriovenous Fistula; Arterial Diameter; Venous Diameter; Blood Flow Back to TOC