ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ProCol vascular bioprostheses as vascular access (VA) material, especially in patients with a history of prior failed access. METHODS: During a 20-month period, 25 arteriovenous (AV) bovine vein grafts were placed in 24 hemodialysis (HD) patients for VA. All patients presented with failed autologous access sites. RESULTS: Graft placement was successful in all patients with no procedure-related complications. Follow-up from 6-26 months gave primary 6-month, 12-month and 24-month patency rates of, respectively, 90%, 80% and 70%. Graft characteristics in cannulation and hemostasis were very satisfying. CONCLUSION: Our midterm results demonstrated that the ProCol vascular bioprosthesis was a promising material for VA with good patency and low complication rates.
