Evaluation of vascular access using cryopreserved jugular vein [experimental study]

Background: While considering the rise in the mean age of the chronic renal failure [CRF] patients and increasing frequency of those who need constant hemodialysis, the creation of a native arteriovenous fistula [AVF] is not possible, which could be due to the inaccessibility of the superficial veins. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the vascular access, using cryopreserved jugular vein

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Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 15 sheep [Wt.= 30-40 kg] were selected between the year 2001 and 2002. The external jugular vein of each sheep was excised and after cryopreservation was put in liquid nitrogen [-196°C]. Twenty-eight days later, the sample veins were used as allograft [in another sheep], and autograft [in the same sheep] and were placed between carotid artery and external jugular vein as bridge AVF. The efficacy, function, and patency were evaluated using doppler sonography and pathologic report

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Results: Patency rate of sample was 100% after 3 months in both allografts and autografts. Thrombosis, hematoma, and infection were not seen. No inflammation was detected in pathologic report

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Conclusion: This study showed that using allograft vein for vascular access is feasible and suitable, and it is recommended specially for those with previously infected fistula