Are lower limb arteriovenous grafts the final solution for hemodialysis?

ABSTRACT

In this study, 14 patients on hemodialysis [HD] therapy for prolonged time [>5 years] with unavailable both upper limbs for various reasons required the use of lower limbs for access construction. PTFE arteriovenous loop constructed between upper thigh femoral vessels was the procedure of choice. The early postoperative complications such as acute ischemia and severe venous hypertension led to an early access loss. It was concluded that lower limb synthetic graft placement may be considered as a final option for hemodialysis access placement with a special consideration to its potentially serious complications