A new technique of prosthetic arteriovenous fistula construction that eliminates the need for temporary access

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for hemodialysis requires a maturation period to allow for tissue ingrowth around the graft. If hemodialysis is necessary during this waiting period, then temporary access is used. Unfortunately, temporary access is difficult, if not impossible, to establish in many patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. We describe a technique for the construction of a prosthetic arteriovenous fistula that eliminates the waiting period and the need for temporary access in selected patients who require PTFE fistulas for hemodialysis.