An evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) loop grafts in the thigh as vascular access for haemodialysis in patients with access problems.

A total of 21 patients with vascular access problems received 22 PTFE loop grafts in the thigh as vascular access for haemodialysis. Eighteen of 22 grafts supported haemodialysis during the patients' lifetime. Actuarial patient survival was 50% at 2 years with a cumulative graft patency in the survivors of 80.5%. Although early thrombosis has been a problem, no graft has been lost from infection. We feel that these results are encouraging enough to recommend the use of PTFE grafts in the thigh of patients with vascular access problems.