Comparative results of early and delayed cannulation of arteriovenous graft in haemodialysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether arteriovenous graft (AVG) can be cannulated for haemodialysis 24-48 h following placement.


METHODS
Thirty-six upper extremity Gore-Tex PTFE arteriovenous grafts were cannulated for haemiodialysis 24-36 h (n = 18) and at 10-14 days (n = 18) following insertion. The determinant parameters were compression time to control bleeding, venous back pressure, haematoma, infection and occlusion.


RESULTS
In a 40 day follow-up, there were no significant difference in cannulation of AVG at 24-36 h vs. 10-14 days using the predetermined parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Early graft cannulation produced no adverse results than late cannulation when the diameter of the tunneller matched the diameter of the graft. Early graft cannulation was safe and recommended.
Sottiurai
V S
VS
Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112-2822, USA.
Stephens
A
A
Champagne
L
L
Moradeshagi
P
P
Frey
D
D
Reisin
E
E
D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013997:Time Factors