REFASHIONING OF AN ANEURYSMATIC ARTERIOVENOUS-FISTULA BY USING THE MULTIFIRE GIA-60 SURGICAL STAPLER

We describe a technique for refashioning an aneurysmatic arterio-venou s fistula by using the multifire GIA 60 surgical stapler. After obtain ing proximal and distal control of the aneurysmatic vein each aneurysm al segment of the anterior wall of the vein is excised by applying the GIA 60 stapler. The layer of the staple-line is re-enforced with one layer of 6/0 prolene continuous suture. After completion of the proced ure, the size of the vein is reduced by approximately 50%. The AVFs we re successfully re-used for dialysis within four weeks postoperatively .