Vertebral and internal mammary artery steal phenomena in patients with hemodialysis access

Aim: Increased flow in the subclavian artery feeding a vascular access for hemodialysis can induce steal phenomena of the vertebral (VA) and internal mammary artery (IMA). Systematic investigations of Doppler flow changes of the VA and IMA are lacking. Aim of the study is to describe the hemodynamic effects of access flow on VA and IMA in patients with native fistulas and grafts. Materials and Methods: Peak systolic (PSV) and enddiastolic (EDV) velocity measurements of the VA, IMA and the carotid arteries, as well as flow volume measurements of the subclavian artery were performed in unselected patients. Flow me…