Comparison of SMART stent placement for arteriovenous graft salvage versus successful graft PTA.

Purpose: To compare the SMART (shape memory alloy recoverable technology) stent with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone in hemodialysis access venous stenoses.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized study was undertaken in 60 patients with dysfunctional polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis grafts. Indications for stent placement were acute PTA failure, rapid restenosis, and vessel perforation.

SMART stent for salvage of hemodialysis access grafts.

Purpose: To evaluate the SMART stent for treating angioplasty-resistant hemodialysis access venous stenoses.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study of 64 patients with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts who were treated with the SMART stent at 69 locations in the venous outflow tract was undertaken. Stents were used for elastic recoil after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, venous rupture, or recurrent stenosis less than 3 months after angioplasty.