title: PTFE shunts for hemodialysis access: progressive choice of configuration.
abstract: The autologous arteriovenous fistula remains the best primary means of obtaining hemodialysis access. When this is unavailable, a prosthetic conduit must be considered. Selection of the appropriate access site has become increasingly important because of the increasing long-term survival of hemodialysis patients. A strategy is presented for sequential graft placement once revision at a given site is no longer feasible, with emphasis on efficient use of native arterial and venous structures, maximizing long-term patency, and preventing potential infectious and ischemic complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Cambria
mesh_terms: D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene