Even though complications of fistula access are far less than a graft or a catheter, they do occur and need to be addressed. Complications occur in approximately one-third of fistulas and include: aneurysms, infection, stenosis, thrombosis, steal syndrome and heart failure. These complications have historically been classified as early and late failure. The etiology of both early and late are somewhat similar because if the cause is not diagnosed early on it may progress and lead to late access failure. Fistula failure may also be classified as primary defined as a fistula which fails prior to cannulation or secondary defined as failure after a radiologic intervention such as angioplasty or stent or surgical revision.
i. Early Failure/Complications
i. Early Failure/Complications