Reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) grafts for haemodialysis

Twenty-five vascular grafts made of expanded reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were inserted as arteriovenous fistulae in 20 patients requiring intermittent haemodialysis. Thirteen grafts were placed in the forearm, either as a looped or straight configuration, and 12 straight grafts were placed in the thigh. Whereas only 45% of the forearm grafts functioned adequately, 92% of the thigh grafts supported haemodialysis satisfactorily. It is suggested that when a vascular graft for haemodialysis is required, then an arteriovenous connection of expanded PTFE placed in the thigh achieves reasonable success.