Experience with the modified bovine arterial heterograft in peripheral vascular reconstruction and vascular access for hemodialysis.

The experience in the use of 37 Bovine heterografts for the treatment of arterial insufficiency and of 37 Bovine heterografts for construction of arterio-venous fistulas for hemodialysis is described. The Bovine heterograft was found unsuitable for use in the femoro-popliteal position, as contrasted to satisfactory follow-up in the aorto-iliac-femoral area. On the other hand, it was found to be an acceptable substitute to the autogenous saphenous vein in the construction of an arterio-venous fistula for chronic dialysis.