Complications in expanded polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts: an angiographic study

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used for creation of arteriovenous shunts in 35 patients on chronic hemodialysis. When flow studies or mechanical factors indicated abnormal flow in the graft, angiography was performed. Detection of venous backflow or obstruction, arterial stenosis, aneurysm formation, or graft kinking facilitated correction and thus salvage of the grafts.