Background A hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) requires surgical modification in patients with cardiac overload or dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS). Creation of an artificial stenosis (banding) within the AVF may be used, but this technique lacks the guidance of objective parameters. The aim of this pilot study was to identify indicators that reflect AVF flow in dialysis patients with either access-related cardiac overload (CO) or DASS requiring corrective surgery. Methods Patients underwent serial measurements of subclavian venous saturation (Satven ), access flow (Flowus ), and index digital pressures (Pdig ) during a corrective banding procedure. Results Data were obtained in 14 individuals (9 men; mean age, 53 ± 6 years) during 16 studies (CO, n = 8; DASS, n = 8). Before surgery, correlations between preoperative flow, Satven and Pdig were not significant. Stepwise banding of the AVF altered Satven in both groups from a mean of 91% ± 1% (open AVF) to 84% ± 2% (closed AVF, P < .001). The CO patients demonstrated a larger drop (–13%) compared with the DASS patients (−4%). Values of Pdig increased from 68 ± 9 to 90 ± 9 mm Hg ( P < .001), and both groups demonstrated a similar +23 mm Hg increase. In concert, the digital brachial index also significantly improved in all patients from 0.60% ± 0.09% to 0.74% ± 0.10%. Linearity was present between alterations in Flowus and Satven in all patients, but mostly in the CO patients ( r2 = 0.96). Conclusions Stepwise banding of hemodialysis fistulas leads to dose-dependent decreases in flow and ipsilateral subclavian venous saturation combined with augmented digital pressures in patients with cardiac overload and dialysis associated steal syndrome. Intraoperative measurements of venous saturation and digital pressures may have the potential of guiding surgical correction in these patients