Would you recommend AV fistula placement in a CKD Stage 5 patient who is over the age of 80?

Depends. If this is an active 80-year-old, then creating a distal fistula (radial-cephalic, when vessels are available) would be ideal compared to a catheter. For someone with limited life expectancy, an alternative (graft or catheter) may be acceptable.

An elderly patient who is functionally independent (i.e., not frail) without comorbidity (suggesting good survival) & good vein mapping may proceed with AVF creation if he/ she decides they want dialysis. This has to be done at least 9 months prior to HD. Predicting when HD will be needed is itself ...