Thrombectomy of arteriovenous dialysis grafts with early failure: is it worthwhile?

Arteriovenous dialysis grafts are prone to frequent thrombosis, which can be treated either percutaneously or surgically. To assess the outcomes of grafts treated for early thrombosis, we retrospectively queried a prospective, computerized database, and identified all grafts placed over a 5-year period that required thrombectomy within 60 days of creation. Technical success was defined as the immediate restoration of graft patency.

Outcomes of brachiocephalic fistulas, transposed brachiobasilic fistulas, and upper arm grafts.

Background And Objectives: An upper arm vascular access is often placed in patients with a failed forearm fistula or with vessels unsuitable for a forearm fistula. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of three upper arm access types: brachiocephalic fistulas, transposed brachiobasilic fistulas, and grafts.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: A prospective, computerized access database was queried retrospectively to identify the clinical outcomes of upper arm accesses placed in 678 patients at a large dialysis center, including 322 brachiocephalic fistulas, 67 brachiobasilic fistulas, and 289 grafts.