Traumatically-induced embolus to the hand from a thrombosed PTFE vascular access graft

We report a case of a traumatically-induced embolus from a thrombosed PTFE vascular access graft in a patient who had undergone a successful cadaveric renal transplant. Although usually thought to be without subsequent sequelae, thrombosed PTFE grafts can be a source of emboli to the hand in active young patients. Diagnosis, etiology, and management are discussed. Therapeutic intervention includes exclusion of the graft from the arterial circulation to the hand and removal of all existing thrombus.