Expanded polytertrafluoroethylene(expanded PTFE) graft fistulas are widely used as secondary used as secondary vascular access for patients receiving long-term hemodialysis treatment. We implanted 48 grafts in 35 patients during the period from
August
1990. Forty-three grafts in 32 patients were followed for l to 46 months.
We performed forearm straight grafts in 36 grafts and upperarm straight grafts in 7 grafts. We experienced 3 operative failures, 22 early and late complications(15 graft thrombosis). Cumulative patency for all grafts at 12 months was 63%, at 24
months
32%, at 36months 32%. Forearm graft survival at 12 months was 55%, at 24 months 30%, at 36 months 30%. Upperarm graft survival at 12 months was 83% and 24 months 41%.
After reviewing our experience, we think that expanded-PTFE graft as secondary vascular access still have many complications and low survival than autogenous arteriovenous fistula. And so utilization of the expanded PTFE fistula requires better
techniques, close observation and maintenance to keep it functional.
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