Forearm versus upper arm grafts for vascular access

J Vasc Access. 2017 Mar 6;18(Suppl. 1):77-81. doi: 10.5301/jva.5000688. Epub 2017 Mar 5.

Abstract

Forearm and upper arm arteriovenous grafts perform similarly in terms of patency and complications. Primary patency at 1 year for forearm arteriovenous grafts versus upper arm grafts ranges from 22%-50% versus 22%-42%, and secondary patency at 1 year ranges from 78%-89% versus 52%-67%), respectively. Secondary patency at 2 years, ranges from 30%-64% versus 35%-60% for forearm and upper arteriovenous graft, respectively. Ample pre-operative planning is essential to improved clinical success and the decision to place a graft at one location versus the other should be based solely on previous access history, physical exam, appropriate venous imaging, and other factors that make up the clinical picture. Operative implant strategies and risk of complications are very similar between the two configurations. Postoperative ischemia due to steal syndrome is a potential complication that requires immediate attention. Utilization of the proximal radial or ulnar artery for inflow for the graft can minimize risk of clinically relevant steal syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / instrumentation
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / methods*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / instrumentation
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Forearm / blood supply*
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / etiology
  • Graft Occlusion, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Upper Extremity / blood supply*
  • Vascular Patency