Australian multicentre evaluation of a new polyurethane vascular access graft

Autor: Richard D. M. Allen, David M. A. Francis, E. Yuill, B. J. Nankivell
Rok vydání: 1996
Předmět:
Zdroj: The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery. 66(11)
ISSN: 0004-8682
Popis: Background: A new three-layered cast polyurethane vascular access graft (Thoratec® VAG) is the most recent addition to the list of materials used in the search for the perfect prosthetic graft material for haemodialysis vascular access. Despite its use in 23 countries, a clinical assessment has not been published. Methods: An independent retrospective evaluation by questionnaire was obtained for 145 implantation procedures performed by 30 surgeons. Results: Ninety-two per cent of procedures were performed for an acute need for vascular access and 73% had prior failed vascular access surgery. Patients were hospitalized for a median of 4 days and the graft was initially used at a median of 3 days. Median follow-up was 306 days. Thoratec® VAG had a problem-free (primary) patency of 44.9% and a functional (secondary) patency 64.5% at 1 year. Major causes of graft loss were thrombosis (17%) and infection (11%). Intra-operative thrombosis was the only significant risk factor for subsequent thrombosis (P = 0.013). Infection was less in patients with antibiotic prophylaxis that included vancomycin (P = 0.02). Conclusion: The ability to use the graft soon after surgery is a major advance for patients who urgently need reliable medium to long-term haemodialysis access.
Databáze: OpenAIRE