title: [Superficialization of autologous vascular access: an alternative to the use of vascular prostheses and permanent catheters].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We review our experience with autologous veins Superficialization (Spf), to establish the actual possibilities of this kind of vascular access in our area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January/2001 and January/2008, Spf was performed in 48 patients. Mean follow-up time was 18.8 (0.2-75.7) months. Primary failure rate was recorded; primary and secondary survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method; and its possible associations with several variables were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  the maturity rate was 97.9%; and the rate of primary failure 2.0%. After Spf, mean time of primary and secondary survival were 65 months and 67 months, respectively. Four vascular thromboses were observed. None of the presurgery variables analyzed (age; sex; diabetes mellitus; ipsilateral central catheter; the number of previous VA attempts; and obesity) were significantly associated with maturity rate, primary or secondary survivals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  the Spf can be a good option alternative to the use of prosthetic grafts or permanent central vascular catheters.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Perpetuo Socorro, Alicante, Spain. lola@olemiswebs.com
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Arenas
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gil
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Malek
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moledous
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nuñez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Collado
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*