[Vascular grafts as access for hemodialysis].

Prosthetic arteriovenous grafts have an inferior patency rate and greater morbidity than those with autogenous vessels and are therefore considered as secondary or tertiary vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with fatigued or unsuitable superficial arm veins. Prior access planning in accordance of patient characteristics, careful operative procedure and appropriate revision of complications can ensure long-term functioning of a vascular access using a large variety of possible prosthetic conduits. Arteriovenous grafts remain essential in vascular access surgery and their role may be increasing with higher comorbidities of patients and should be preferred to tunnelled cuffed catheters. This article reviews the indications, alternative configurations and characteristics of arteriovenous grafts.