A pilot study comparing bovine mesenteric artery and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts as non-autogenous hemodialysis options.

Background: Many dialysis patients do not have the necessary conditions for construction of a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular prostheses are the most widely-used option, but it is known that they are inferior to native vein AVFs.

Objectives: To identify a graft with superior performance to ePTFE, comparing their results with those of AVFs made from bovine mesenteric arteries treated with L-Hydro technology (Labcor Laboratories ).

Efficacy of varicose vein surgery with preservation of the great safenous vein.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment of varicose veins with preservation of the great saphenous vein.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 15 female patients between 25 and 55 years of age with clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification 2, 3 and 4. The patients underwent surgical treatment of primary varicose veins with great saphenous vein (GSV) preservation.