title: Straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to popliteal artery for vascular access.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The saphenous vein is commonly used as a vascular graft in peripheral artery surgery but rarely used for vascular access. The literature on straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to the popliteal artery is scarce. Here we present two cases of straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to the popliteal artery for vascular access, the surgical technique and respective follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two young men, aged 29 and 36 years, were chosen for lower-limb vascular access for hemodialysis. The first patient was paraplegic since birth. He used his arms to move so upper extremity vascular access was avoided. The second patient presented with an infected upper extremity arteriovenous graft (AVG) and after multiple closed AVFs he had no more available arm veins. Both patients received autologous lower extremity straight configuration saphenous vein transpositions to the popliteal artery under spinal anesthesia in May and October 2012, respectively. Cannulation of the fistula was allowed after one month. There were no early complications. Slight swelling on the leg appeared in one of the patients. Both fistulas were still functional after 36 and 32 months, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The straight configuration saphenous vein transposition to popliteal artery is simple to perform, offers a long and straight segment for cannulation and may be a suitable autologous vascular access in selected patients.
authors: Vascular Surgery Service, UHC "Mother Teresa", Tirana - Albania.
authors: Gentian
authors: G
authors: Caco
authors: Nephrology and Haemodialysis Unit, Regional Hospital of Shkodra, Shkodra - Albania.
authors: Dhurata
authors: D
authors: Golemi
authors: Nephrology and Haemodialysis Service, UHC "Mother Teresa", Tirana - Albania.
authors: Eriola
authors: E
authors: Likaj
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency