Timing of Fistula Creation and the Probability of Catheter-Free Use: A Cohort Study

Background:Fistula creation is recommended to avoid the use of central venous catheters for hemodialysis. The extent to which timing of fistula creation minimizes catheter use is unclear.Objective:To compare patient outcomes of 2 fistula creation strategies: fistula attempt prior to the initiation of dialysis (“predialysis”) or fistula attempt after starting dialysis (“postinitiation”).Design:Cohort study.Setting:Five Canadian dialysis...