What we are studying
The purpose of this research study is to determine the benefits of regional anesthesia versus local anesthesia alone in the creation of upper extremity arteriovenous fistulae for dialysis. Arteriovenous fistula formation involves the connection of a vein and an artery, usually in the forearm, to allow access to the vascular system for hemodialysis. Regional anesthesia involves placement of numbing medicine in the upper arm in order to numb the entire arm as opposed to local anesthesia which places numbing medicine just in the area where the operation will take place. We hope to answer the question of which type of anesthesia will affect whether or not an arteriovenous fistula can be used for hemodialysis, allowing us to provide the best care to patients in the future.