The 'sleeve' anastomosis method for hemodialysis shunts: an eleven-year follow-up study.

Purpose: The problem of long form fistula for hemodialysis is well known among vascular surgeons because of frequent thromboses in anastomotic place. One of the pro-thrombotic factors is suture in the vessel's lumen. Since the 'sleeve' method prevents this, the patency rate should improve.

Methods: One hundred and eighty-two (182) patients were operated using the "sleeve" method. The operation was done under local anaesthesia and the first step was the dissection of the cephalic vein and the radial artery. Using Prolene 7-0 the artery and the vein were connected as follows: the first suture was placed intramuraly about 5 mm from the artery edge to the vein edge. The second suture (placed in the same way) was on the opposite side. The end of the radial artery was placed into the lumen of the cephalic vein and the sutures were tied. Two additional sutures were placed between them. Finally, four sutures were added to keep the artery in the vein.

Results: In our hands the patency rate of 'sleeve' arterio-venous fistulas was high: 95% after one month, 86% after one year, 64% after 5 years and 57% after 10 and 11 years. Every 'sleeve' fistula provided adequate blood flow, which increased during the follow-up period.

Conclusions: The authors consider the "sleeve" fistula method as the primary choice because of its simplicity and excellent long-term patency.