How soon can a secondary AV fistula be cannulated?
If the secondary AV fistula uses the outflow vein from an existing graft, it usually can be cannulated immediately. However, to confirm that the outflow vein can be used immediately if converted to an AV fistula, staff should test the outflow vein before converting (sacrificing) the graft by attempting cannulation of the outflow vein while the graft is still being used. If the secondary AV fistula uses a new vein, then the maturation period will be the same as for any new AV fistula: a minimum of 6 weeks, with a recommended waiting period of 8 to 12 weeks.
