Construction of internal arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis using Inokuchi's vascular stapler.

Using Inokuchi's vascular stapler, arteriovenous fistulas with an end-to-end fashion for hemodialysis were constructed in 80 patients (82 limbs) with chronic renal failure. In 76 patients and 76 limbs (95%) of a total of 80 patients, the fistulas were patent and hemodialysis could be effectively carried out. Use of Inokuchi's vascular stapler facilitated a rapid construction of subcutaneous end-to-end arteriovenous fistulas, and no particular training in vascular surgery was required for the operator. Since the anastomosis was constructed in an end-to-end fashion, complications such as swollen hand, peripheral steal syndrome and cardiac failure were nil.