Chronic Hemodialysis Using Venipuncture and a Surgically Created Arteriovenous Fistula

THE success of chronic hemodialysis in terminal renal failure depends on repeated access to blood vessels that will provide a continuous flow of up to 250 to 300 ml. per minute.A technic was developed for the permanent implantation of cannulas into an artery and vein of the forearm. Between dialyses, patency of these blood vessels depends on maintaining circulation between artery and vein by means of a Teflon-Silastic loop, creating an external arteriovenous fistula. The surgical technic required for the successful implantation of these catheters has been described.1 , 2 This prosthesis is now used by virtually all centers engaged in . . .