Surgical treatment of A-V fistulas: a new technique

ABSTRACT

The isolation and control of the peripheral and distal portions of the involved artery and vein of an A-V fistula prior to repair is a needless complication often resulting in increased trauma and clot formation. In the repair of 93 cases of A-V fistulas a simplified technique was successfully used in the last 32 cases with excellent results. In this technique the dissection of the venous limbs is completely omitted and only the involved artery is freed proximal and distal to the lesion. The artery is then divided above and below the fistula and the free ends ligated. Arterial continuity is established by vein graft interposition. The advantages of this technique and the results of clinical follow-up are discussed