A new modified bovine heterograft for vascular access in haemophiliacs

Because of poor venous access and failure of previous arteriovenous shunts due to thrombosis, two patients with severe coagulapathies had an arteriovenous fistula performed using a new chemically treated bovine carotid artery segment (Solcograft-P). To date, no complications have been noted after 16 and 17 months respectively. This treated heterograft maintains many of the physical characteristics observed in a normal bovine carotid artery. The theoretical advantages for using this heterograft in such patients are discussed.