Clinical Analysis of PTFE Graft Arteriovenous Fistula: The long-term patency rate and factors affecting the patency rate

ABSTRACT

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) graft fistulas are widely used as secondary vascular access for patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. It is well known also that several factors should be considered in order to maintain PTFE graft fistula adequately. To elucidate these factors, we reviewed 71 cases of PTFE graft arteriovenous fistula that performed at Hallym University Hospitals from March 1991 to December 1995 and analysed it for regard to age, serum creatinine level, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diameter of graft and operation site and method. The resultes were as follows 1) The mean duration of patency of PTFE graft fistula was 10month and the 6 month, 12 month and 24 month patency rate was 64.9%, 39.4% and 36.1% respectively. 2) The complication rate was 45%. 3) Of these factors, diabetes mellitus was the only factor that decreased the patency rate(P<0.05).