PTFE grafts for hemodialysis access. Techniques for insertion and management of complications.

In a series of 602 procedures, over 90% of primary forearm insertions of PTFE grafts between the radial artery and a cubital vein were possible. Thrombosis of the graft, which was invariably due to venous outflow obstruction, was the most common complication encountered. Revision of the venous anastomosis was not necessary in about one-third of the thrombosed grafts if a size 3 coronary dilator could be passed and the augmentation test was satisfactory. For revisions, creation of a new venous anastomosis using a jump graft was preferred over patch angioplasty or venous endarterectomy. Crossing the elbow for this purpose did not adversely affect graft patency. The incidence of aneurysm formation and infection was 16% and 35%, respectively. Infections involving the graft were managed by drainage, antibiotics, and bypass of the infected portion. Immediate bypass and delayed bypass were equally effective. About one-half of the infected grafts were salvaged by these techniques. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus. With a combination of the techniques outlined above, the service life of individual PTFE grafts can be extended. Two-year access patency in this series was 77%.