Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2026
Tri-layered Electrospinning to Mimic Native Arterial Architecture using Polycaprolactone, Elastin, and Collagen: A Preliminary Study
Published on: January 4, 2011
Early experience with stretch polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for haemodialysis access surgery: results of a
J H Tordoir1, L Hofstra, K M Leunissen
1Department of Surgery, Academic Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of standard ePTFE versus stretch ePTFE AV fistulas.
Design:
Prospective randomised trial.
Setting:
University Hospital.
Materials:
During a 2-year period 37 patients received 17 stretch and 20 standard ePTFE graft AV fistulas.
Chief Outcome Measures:
Patients were evaluated for the occurrence of complications and graft patency. Regular Duplex scans were performed to detect stenoses in the fistula circuit.
Main Results:
Thrombotic events occurred in 40% of the standard ePTFE grafts, compared to 12% of the stretch ePTFE prostheses (p < 0.001). The incidence of puncture complications was similar in both groups. The cumulative primary patency rate in the stretch ePTFE group was significantly higher compared to the standard ePTFE group (1-year patency rates of 59% and 29%, respectively; p < 0.01). No differences in the duration of puncture site bleeding were observed. Duplex scanning showed a significantly greater number of stenoses in the standard ePTFE grafts.
Conclusions:
The new stretch ePTFE prosthesis has better primary patency rates and less stenoses due to intimal hyperplasia as compared to standard ePTFE grafts.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications