High pressure mystery solved, but more troubles!

[Angiepkd]

Went to the access center today for my angiogram.  It was determined that I have a narrowing in my shoulder, where the fistula vessel connects to the heart vessel.  They used the balloon to stretch the area, which should help my pressure problems.  Unfortunately, they also determined that my fistula is too large, placing a strain on my heart. So...I get to go back to my surgeon and have bands placed around the vessel to restrict the flow. Really?!  Just my luck. As a bonus, the doc wants to stop sticking the area most comfortable for my arterial, and move further up my arm. I did verify the blood flow direction, so that part is good. Anyone else dealt with a high flow fistula?

[Speedy1wrc]

First I've heard of a fistula that was too good. Mine is wide open but no one has ever said anything about it. As a matter of fact I was just in to have it checked today fo the first time in 8 years.

[Angiepkd]

From what I understand, studies have been done in people with fistula volumes greater than 2.2 liters per minute. If I got it right, the heart pumps 3 liters per minute and every liter per minute your fistula flows is added to the total load your heart has to pump. In the studies, fistula flow rates greater than 2.2 have caused significant strain on the heart which leads to damage over time.  I am going to do some additional research. When they measured my fistula flow, it was close to 3 liters per minute.  On a better note, my flow rates were much better at D today, so the stretching balloon did the trick on the blockage in my shoulder. Good with the bad, I guess.

[Speedy1wrc]

My nurse stopped in today so I asked her about your question. She hadn't run into anything like that.

That's intersting information, I'll have to start researching that out of curiosity.