Basilic vein to brachial artery fistula: a new access for chronic hemodialysis.

A new vascular access for chronic hemodialysis is developed by creating a fistula in the upper arm between the end of the relocated basilic vein and anterior aspect of the brachial artery. The procedure has been used 24 times in 23 patients over the past 15 months (average eight months) with minimal complications and low failure rates. This fistula provides a straight, long, easily accessible conduit with high flows; it has only one vascular anastomosis and maintains the anatomic continuity of its venous end with the axillary vein. It also obviates the need for autologous, prosthetic, or heterografts. The procedure is indicated when suitable vessels in the forearm have been exhausted or are unavailable. However, additional clinical trials and continued long-term follow-up are necessary for more definite conclusions.