Creation of secondary AV fistulas from failed hemodialysis grafts: the role of routine vein mapping.

Pre-existing forearm grafts lead to dilatation of upper arm veins of the ipsilateral arm that greatly facilitates the creation of secondary arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). In this retrospective review of 18 patients, the routine and periodical revision of failed grafts were discontinued. Vein mapping by physical examination or Duplex studies was performed prior to graft failure and a secondary AVF was created when the graft failed. Using this management strategy, an AVF creation success rate of 95% was achieved despite high incidence of co-morbidity factors within the patient population. This success rate demonstrates the value of vein selection by vascular mapping prior to graft failure and early vascular access planning in the successful creation of secondary AVF.