Vascular access for haemodialysis with autogenous vein graft arteriovenous fistulas.

Nine autogenous vein grafts (AVG) have been used in nine patients to create arteriovenous fistulae for haemodialysis. All the patients lacked vessels for construction of a regular arteriovenous fistula. Three of the AVG failed during dialysis treatment 3, 10 and 14 months respectively following construction. Another AVG thrombosed but function was restored by thromboectomy. The same graft was later complicated by a false aneurysm and rupture but was then reconstructed with a vein patch. One AVG with a false aneurysm in the proximal anastomosis was repaired within six weeks.