Polytetrafluoroethylene and bovine grafts for vascular access in patients on long-term hemodialysis.
A 4-year retrospective chart review of patients whose vascular access for hemodialysis was via a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or a bovine graft revealed that cumulative patency differed little between the two groups. The average graft life was 27 months. Those with vascular access through the forearm, particularly with a loop type of graft, fared the best. Recurrent thrombosis was a serious problem. For this the authors recommend elective graft replacement followed by a "rest period" of 2 to 3 weeks. Failing grafts should be repaired as directed by fistulographic findings. Polytetrafluoroethylene seems to be safer, if not more reliable, than the bovine graft. Rupture and life-threatening hemorrhage did not occur with PtFE.
D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000637:transplantation*; D002417:Cattle; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene