Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Arteriovenous Fistulas Cannulation in Difficult Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract

Aim(s) : Complex Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) poses challenges to cannulation. Ultrasound (US)-guided cannulation may promote successful cannulation and prevent AVF-related complications. Renal nurses performing US-guided cannulation may improve successful cannulation and reduce complications associated with unnecessary punctures. The study aims to conduct the meta-analyze to examine the effectiveness of renal nurse-performed US-guided cannulation to improve successful cannulation and reduce AVF-related complications in difficult AVF access. Design: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Methods: A systemic search was performed on electronic databases including CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, and PubMed from inception to October 2023. Risk ratios (RR) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were estimated using random-effect models for considerable homogeneity, and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology was adopted for critical appraisal. Results : Four RCTs were included. The results showed US-guided AVF cannulation had a significant effect in improving successful cannulation (RR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.63, p = 0.007), and was favorable in reducing cannulation-associated complications (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.10 to 1.93, p = 0.28), compared with blind needle cannulation. Conclusion: US-guided cannulation performed by renal nurses has the potential to improve successful cannulation, and fewer complications in hemodialysis patients with difficult arteriovenous access. Relevance to Clinical Practice : The results suggest the value of further training for renal nurses in US-guided cannulation, and broader implementation of US-guided cannulation to improve patient outcomes. Future studies could explore the optimal nursing training and longer-term benefits of US-guided cannulation by renal nurses in difficult AVF access. Patient or Public Contribution : No Patient or Public Contribution as this is a meta-analysis using the secondary data published in the RCTs.