REVASCULARIZATION OF DIALYSIS SHUNTS

In our experience thrombotic events in hemodialysis shunts are caused by morphological abnormalities of the vessels used in about 95%. Throm bectomy or thrombolysis alone are therefore not able to guarantee prol onged success with respect to shunt function. As initial treatment thr ombolysis should be reserved to special situations. In order to achiev e long-lasting patency rates in dialysis access more complex measures are necessary with additional surgical interventions being a prerequis ite. The conditions for maintaining good therapeutic results are the s ame as for prophylaxis of shunt thrombosis, i.e. above all the careful and proper use of all blood vessels important for access surgery.