Transposed saphenous vein arteriovenous fistula revisited: new technology for an old idea

Patients without renal function are living longer than in the past, and the provision of dialysis access is a growing problem. The distal end of the greater saphenous vein can be anastomosed to the femoral artery, creating a transposed saphenous vein thigh arteriovenous fistula, which offers the theoretical advantages of autologous conduit and a native venous 'anastomosis.' This is a rarely performed procedure, however, in part because of the morbidity of vein harvest and the risk of groin infection. We have been favorably impressed by the reduction in morbidity and wound infection following endoscopic vein harvest for lower extremity bypass, and believe that the success of this technique merits a reevaluation of this procedure.