Internal vascular access for hemodialysis in children weighing less than fifteen kilograms.

An arteroarterial femoral graft using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is described which has been successfully for vascular access in young children having small peripheral vessels. This graft allows high flow and favorable patency for dialysis without the complications of arteriovenous shunting or the risks associated with an external hemodialysis device. This graft has been used successfully for outpatient dialysis in children weighing as little as 9 kg and may be a useful adjunct in long-term dialysis of patients for whom more conventional means of vascular access are not acceptable.