A NEW METHOD OF CREATING AN ARTERIOVENOUS GRAFT ACCESS

Since the initial description of the radial arteriovenous (AV) shunt, hemodialysis has played a primary role in the survival of patients wit h chronic renal failure. However, it is not unusual to be confronted w ith patients on chronic hemodialysis who have exhausted all superficia l venous access sites. We describe a technique using the deep veins of the arm as the outflow system during AV graft construction. By anasto mosing the venous limb of the graft to the larger of the two brachial veins, we have been able to give patients AV access when the superfici al veins have been exhausted. We have performed this technique with go od success in 12 patients. Further experience and longer follow-up are needed.