Access to Circulation by Permanent Arteriovenous Fistula in Regular Dialysis Treatment

Abstract

An arteriovenous fistula was created surgically in 14 patients on regular dialysis treatment in order to provide repeated access to the circulation. In 11 patients the initial arteriovenous fistula functioned satisfactorily and without complica- tions. In two patients in whom the initial fistula failed to function, success was achieved in the opposite forearm. In one patient in whom the procedure failed initially a second attempt to create a fistula has been postponed owing to the poor calibre of her veins and the urgency of maintaining adequate haemodialysis. © 1967, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.