Non-thrombotic complications of PTFE grafts for haemodialysis.

In a consecutive series of 76 PTFE grafts (37 Impra and 39 Gore-Tex), 30 non-thrombotic complications were observed. Twenty-one (70%) of these grafts could be salvaged either by conservative means (2) or by an aggressive surgical approach (19). The median survival time of the salvaged grafts was 12 months. Only nine grafts (30%) were lost as a result of the complications. Lesions caused by punctures techniques seemed more frequent in Impra grafts than in Gore-Tex grafts. Apart from this observation it is concluded that an aggressive surgical approach to non-thrombotic complications in PTFE grafts is worthwhile.