Early percutaneous thrombolysis for AVF thrombosis: symptom duration as a predictor of endovascular salvage

Abstract

Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis remains a critical complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients, often leading to treatment delays and requiring urgent intervention. While endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly employed, less invasive strategies such as percutaneous thrombolytic therapy are gaining attention due to their potential to restore patency and avoid more complex procedures. This study assessed the effectiveness of percutaneous thrombolytic therapy in acute AVF thrombosis and explored key predictors associated with the need for subsequent endovascular intervention. Methods: This retrospective study included 42 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombolytic therapy using low-dose alteplase (3-5 mg). Technical and clinical success, complication rates, and the need for additional EVT were assessed. Statistical analyses including logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to determine independent predictors for EVT. Results: The clinical success rate was 97.6%, with 69% of patients achieving AVF patency without EVT. Symptom duration emerged as the strongest predictor for EVT; patients with symptoms > 2.5 days had significantly higher EVT rates (p = 0.01). Each additional day of symptoms increased the odds of requiring EVT by 88.5% (OR = 1.885, p = 0.012). Female patients were also more likely to require EVT than males (p = 0.005). No significant associations were found for age, BMI, or fistula characteristics. Conclusion: Percutaneous thrombolytic therapy is a highly effective and minimally invasive option for acute AVF thrombosis. Symptom duration > 2.5 days is a key threshold predicting the need for EVT, highlighting the critical importance of early intervention. These findings may inform clinical decision-making and optimize access salvage strategies in dialysis patients.