Influence of Wall Compliance on the Flow Patterns in a Patient-Specific Brachio-Cephalic Arterio-Venous Fistula

Patients with end stage renal disease require some form of vascular access for treatment, Arterio-Venous Fistulas (avf) being the preferred available due to better patency rates. However, they continue present complications after creation, leading early or late failure. While many studies are examining flow in patient-specific fistulas, often neglect influence vessel compliance on its hemodynamics. The objective this study is investigate effect wall complex hemodynamics a brachio-cephalic avf and how it differs from rigid fistula. Particle Image Velocimetry (piv) was used capture pattern within fistula both steady (Re = 1817) pulsatile (Reav=1817, Remax=2232) conditions. results were compared model measurements performed under same Reynolds number. streamline plots coefficient variation did not differ significantly between models; however, non-dimensional velocity directional variability vary two fistulas. A difference approximately 8% seen models flow. findings suggest that determine bulk flow, adequate, but finer details compliant necessary.