title: Vascular access for haemodialysis--experience at Johannesburg Hospital.
abstract: Experience with angio-access in patients with chronic end-stage renal failure undergoing haemodialysis, including those with arteriovenous fistulas constructed within the past 3 years, is reviewed. In patients in group 1, 137 fistulas were constructed; the patency rate at 2 years was 66% and at 4 years 47%. Complications were due to thrombosis, aneurysm and poor operative technique. In group 2 fistulas were constructed from synthetic material in 33 patients; the patency rate at 2 years was 44% and at 4 years 36%. Complications were due to thrombosis and sepsis. No correlation was found between raised fibrinogen levels and fistula or graft failures. Dialysis needles of different gauges were compared; the 16-gauge Terumo needle was found to cause no hemolysis and was adequate for use in dialysis.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000592:standards; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000379:methods*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene