title: Vascular access for hemodialysis using bovine heterografts and polytetrafluoroethylene conduits.
abstract: The University of Alberta's experience with the use of bovine and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts as renal dialysis conduits is reported. Over a 3 1/2-year period 100 patients had grafts placed. Most were placed in the forearm and a small number in the groin. Bovine grafts, while performing adequately as dialysis conduits, required multiple repairs to alleviate complications. The complications included thrombosis, stenoses at the graft-vein anastomosis and in the graft, aneurysm and infection. At the end of the study period 68% of the grafts were still functioning and 82% of the patients survived. The experience with PTFE grafts was less extensive. Analysis of the data indicates that there was a lower complication rate and that aneurysm formation and infection at puncture sites were rarely seen. Thrombosis secondary to stenosis at the graft-vein anastomosis was the most frequent complication. Graft and patient survival were nearly 90%. A comparison of bovine and PTFE grafts as replacement for failed bovine grafts showed that PTFE was much superior.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D002417:Cattle; D005542:Forearm; D006085:Graft Survival; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene