The synthetic axillofemoral graft for hemodialysis access

Patients who have exhausted all options for conventional dialysis access due to lack of available vessels may be candidates for placement of a synthetic axillofemoral vascular graft. The axillofemoral access is surgically constructed under general anesthesia. The synthetic graft is anastomosed, end to side, to the axillary artery, proximally, and distally to the common femoral vein. Surgical complications have been negligible and intravascular blood flow rates support efficient dialysis. A review of two cases demonstrates the positive outcomes and acceptability of this nonconventional approach for blood access in hemodialysis patients.