title: Early experience with stretch polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for haemodialysis access surgery: results of a prospective randomised study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of standard ePTFE versus stretch ePTFE AV fistulas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomised trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 2-year period 37 patients received 17 stretch and 20 standard ePTFE graft AV fistulas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were evaluated for the occurrence of complications and graft patency. Regular Duplex scans were performed to detect stenoses in the fistula circuit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thrombotic events occurred in 40% of the standard ePTFE grafts, compared to 12% of the stretch ePTFE prostheses (p < 0.001). The incidence of puncture complications was similar in both groups. The cumulative primary patency rate in the stretch ePTFE group was significantly higher compared to the standard ePTFE group (1-year patency rates of 59% and 29%, respectively; p < 0.01). No differences in the duration of puncture site bleeding were observed. Duplex scanning showed a significantly greater number of stenoses in the standard ePTFE grafts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new stretch ePTFE prosthesis has better primary patency rates and less stenoses due to intimal hyperplasia as compared to standard ePTFE grafts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Tordoir
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hofstra
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Leunissen
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kitslaar
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014654:Vascular Patency
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene