RESUMEN
To evaluate the patency and efficacy of expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene [ePTFE] vascular graft in hemodialysis patients. In a prospective study from January 1999 to January 2001 at Sina hospital 41 patients underwent implantation of 6-mm vascular grafts and 42 underwent implantation of 8-mm grafts in order to make vascular assess for hemodialysis. They were followed up to 12 months, observing the complications. Mean patients' age was 52.2 years. Thirty-seven of them were females and 46 were males. Over a 12 months period of follow-up, 12 cases of graft infection [14.5%], 21 cases of thrombosis [25.3%], 7 cases with both complications [8.4%], and 1 case of pseudoaneurism [1.2%] were observed. One-year patency rate was 34.9%. Diabetes was the only factor associated with lower patency rate [27% versus 57%, p<0.05]. ePTFE vascular graft seems to be an appropriate substitute for arteriovenous fistula as a vascular assess in hemodialysis patients. Educating patients and good care can decrease the rate of infection, thrombosis, and other complications, resulting in a better patency and lower morbidity rate