Reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) grafts for haemodialysis.
Twenty-five vascular grafts made of expanded reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were inserted as arteriovenous fistulae in 20 patients requiring intermittent haemodialysis. Thirteen grafts were placed in the forearm, either as a looped or straight configuration, and 12 straight grafts were placed in the thigh. Whereas only 45% of the forearm grafts functioned adequately, 92% of the thigh grafts supported haemodialysis satisfactorily. It is suggested that when a vascular graft for haemodialysis is required, then an arteriovenous connection of expanded PTFE placed in the thigh achieves reasonable success.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013499:Surface Properties; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply; D013997:Time Factors
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene