• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.30-35
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• 2017

Background: Tapered grafts, which have a smaller diameter on the arterial side, have been increasingly used for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation. We compared the outcomes of 4-6-mm tapered and 6-mm straight forearm loop arteriovenous grafts. Methods: A total of 103 patients receiving forearm loop arteriovenous grafts between March 2005 and March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed and separated into 2 groups (group A, 4- to 6-mm tapered grafts, n=78; group B, 6-mm straight grafts, n=25). In each group, complications and patency rates after surgery were assessed. Results: Clinical characteristics and laboratory results, except for cerebrovascular disease history (group A, 7.7%; group B, 28.0%; p=0.014), were similar between the groups. No significant differences were found for individual complications. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed no significant differences in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year patency rates between groups (61.8%, 44.9%, and 38.5% vs. 62.7%, 41.1%, and 35.3%, respectively). Conclusion: We found no significant differences in complication and patency rates between the tapered and straight graft groups. If there are no differences in complication and patency between the two graft types, tapered grafts may be a valuable option for AVF formation in light of their other advantages.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.543-548
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• 2022

Microvascular reconstruction frequently requires anastomosis outside of the zone of injury for successful reconstruction. Multiple options exist for pedicle lengthening including vein grafts, arteriovenous loops, and arteriovenous bundle interposition grafts. The authors performed a systematic review of arteriovenous bundle interposition grafts to elucidate indications and outcomes of arteriovenous grafts in microvascular reconstruction. A systematic review of the literature was performed using targeted keywords. Data extraction was performed by two independent authors, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze pooled data. Forty-four patients underwent pedicle lengthening with an arteriovenous graft from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. Most common indications for flap reconstruction were malignancy (n = 12), trauma (n = 7), and diabetic ulceration (n = 4). The most commonly used free flap was the anterolateral thigh flap (n = 18). There were five complications, with one resulting in flap loss. Arteriovenous bundle interposition grafts are a viable option for pedicle lengthening when free flap distant anastomosis is required. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery may be used for a variety of defects and can be used in conjunction with fasciocutaneous, osteocutaneous, muscle, and chimeric free flaps.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2009

Background: Arteriovenous fistula formation is not always easy to perform in hemodialysis patients because of poor preservation of veins due to repeated venipuncture and cannulation. We analyzed the patency rate and complications of prosthetic arteriovenous fistulas using the vena comitantes as a venous outflow in the antecubital fossa, which are protected from venipuncture. Material and Method: Between January 2006 and June 2008, 12 patients underwent prosthetic arteriovenous fistula formation using the vena comitantes as a venous outflow. Arterial inflow was via the brachial artery and the graft was placed in a loop fashion. The male-to-female ratio was 7 : 5 and the mean age was $59{\pm}14$ years. Six patients had diabetes mellitus and 10 patients had hypertension. Result: There were no complications, such as a graft infection or bleeding. Five patients showed postoperative stenosis at an average of 3 months. The primary patency rate was 75.0, 65.6, and 52.2% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. All the patients with stenosis were able to continue hemodialysis after intervention therapy. The secondary patency rate was 100% at 12 months. Conclusion: Creation of a prosthetic arteriovenous fistula using uninjured vena comitantes resulted in a good patency rate and this vein may become a substitute for inappropriate superficial veins.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.652-655
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• 2015

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.213-217
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• 2013

Objective : Transradial angiography has become popular among many cardiologists as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. However, transradial cerebral angiography is not utilized to the same extent. The purpose of this study is to present our experience regarding the usefulness of transradial cerebral angiography, especially in elderly patients. Methods : Between May 2011 and February 2012, a total of 126 cerebral angiographies were performed via a transradial approach in a single center. Of them, only 47 patients were over 60 years old. In our institution, we shifted the initial access from the right femoral artery to the right radial artery in all patients requiring cerebral angiography in 2011. We did not attempt radial access in 40 cases for variable reasons. Results : The procedural success rate was 92.2%. We have four failures of transradial angiography; two because of loop formations of the radial and brachial artery and two due to multiple puncture failures. All supra-aortic vessels were successfully catheterized. However, the selective catheterization rates of the left side distal vessels were lower, as success rates were 89.7% for the right internal carotid artery and 75% for the left internal carotid artery. Procedure-related vascular complications, such as puncture site hematoma, hand ischemia, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula and arterial dissection were not observed in our series. However, intraprocedural thrombosis developed in one patient, which was resolved completely by intraarterial thrombolytic agents. Conclusion : With advancing patient's age, we believe that transradial cerebral angiography is a useful tool to decrease patient's discomfort and more effectively manage the vessel tortuosity.