Relationship between intima-media thickness and cannulation success in brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula

BACKGROUND: Brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis due to its lower complication rate and superior patency compared to other access types. One potential predictor of cannulation success is vessel wall thickness assessed through intima-media thickness (IMT). However, the association between IMT and cannulation success remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IMT and cannulation success in brachiocephalic AVF.METHODS: This observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design included 60 CKD patients with mature brachiocephalic AVFs undergoing their first cannulation at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Hermina Depok Hospital (April-September 2025). IMT was measured using ultrasonography, and cannulation success was defined as the absence of complications (hematoma/thrombosis). Statistical analysis was performed using independent T-Test, Mann-Whitney, and χ2/Fisher Exact tests, with P