title: Surgical management of subclavian and axillary vein thrombosis in patients with a functioning arteriovenous fistula.
abstract: Until recently, secondary thrombosis of the deep veins of the upper extremity was rarely encountered. The expanding use of the subclavian vein as a route to the central circulation has increased its occurrence, but symptoms are uncommon. Patients on hemodialysis with a functioning arteriovenous fistula become symptomatic with venous hypertension and swelling. Treatment becomes necessary, and fistula ligation is usually recommended; however, this renders the extremity unsuitable for a future life-sustaining access. Patency of grafts in the venous system has been accomplished with a temporary arteriovenous fistula. In six patients with chronic renal failure and a functioning arteriovenous fistula, a polytetrafluoroethylene graft was used to replace or bypass the obstructed vein. Symptoms resolved, and the fistula was preserved in three of the six patients for 1 to 3 years.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D001367:Axillary Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013350:Subclavian Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*