Early cannulation graft: Acuseal.

Aim: To review the published literature on the early cannulation graft, Acuseal.

Methods: 235 reported cases have been published and reviewed. These cases are both prospective and retrospective, from either multicenter or single centers. Patency rates and complication rates were reviewed. Economic value of early cannulation grafts were also analyzed.

Results: Over 135 patients were cannulated within 2.5 days after implantation. No increase in complications were noted and similar primary and secondary patency rates were observed compared to the literature. Economic evaluation both in the UK and US demonstrate benefit of this graft when compared to catheters, fistulas and other grafts.

Conclusion: Early stick grafts demonstrate similar patency and complication rates when compared to published literature of standard grafts.Economic benefit is also noted using this graft.