Good long term patency rates associated with an alternative technique in vascular access surgery--the adductor loop arteriovenous graft.

INTRODUCTION: We have modified the arteriovenous groin loop procedure and present a technique associated with good patency rates and low infection rates.
METHODS: We describe an alternative femoro-femoral arteriovenous loop technique which utilises the mid-thigh sub-sartorial Superficial Femoral Artery and Femoral Vein. We then performed a retrospective analysis of all such cases performed in our unit to date and analysed the patency and infection rates associated with the technique.
RESULTS: 16 cases have been performed to date with a median follow-up of 18 months. The primary and secondary patency rates at one year were 70% and 90% respectively. The overall infection rate was only 12.5%.
CONCLUSIONS: Our technique is associated with good patency rates and low infection rates. In addition it preserves modesty whilst on dialysis and the groin vessels for further vascular access surgery if needed.