Proximal arteriovenous fistulas for vascular access in periodic hemodialysis.

Six proximal arteriovenous fistulas were created in 6 uremic patients on periodic hemodialysis, in whom previous distal shunts or the interposition of heterologous materials had failed. The operations were performed with the vascularization of the upper limbs and a cutaneous incision at the bend of the arm. All patients were women. All the arteriovenous fistulas showed good functioning at the end of the procedure and follow-up from 0 to 45 months.