Early experience with stretch polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for haemodialysis access surgery: results of a prospective randomised study.
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.
Tordoir
J H
JH
Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Hofstra
L
L
Leunissen
K M
KM
Kitslaar
P J
PJ
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
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene