The Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) study is a prospective study of a large number of patients with endstage renal disease (ESRD), which reveals that the arterial condition, assessed by FMD or NMD, is more important for autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation than preoperative venous one. It also established that the diameter, depth and blood flow of AVF used in evaluating its maturation were useful. However, the preoperative neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) did not affect AVF maturation, whereas the postoperative AVF stenosis had an effect on its maturation. Lastly, it was emphasized that the skill level of medical staffs in charge of AVF care is important.

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula, Hemodialysis, Maturation