Collateral flush technique

The collateral flush technique consists of preserving a collateral branch of the vein when performing AV fistulas. This allows the surgeon to check the immediate patency of both the anastomotic line and the limbs of the arteriovenous fistula; perform thrombectomy easily and rapidly in the event of early thrombosis (up to seven days following surgery) without disturbing the anastomotic line; and perform on-the-table arteriograms using minimal amounts of contrast material and without direct puncture of the artery. This technique has been used with good results in 300 patients and its routine use is recommended.