PTFE graft arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis access.

The use of expanded PTFE graft arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis access is becoming increasingly popular. Its low infection rate, low thrombogenicity, low body reactivity, and longevity make it an ideal vascular substitute. From May 1976 to June 2, 1978 we have placed 102 grafts in 89 patients, many of whom represent management problems of other access means. Major complications are pseudointimal proliferation at the venous anastomosis, pseudoaneurysm formation, and thrombosis, usually associated with low blood volume. These problems are, however, readily rectifiable. Other types of grafts, according to the literature, have not been successful for hemodialysis access.