The Use of Lyophilized Vein Grafts in Vascular Access for Chronic Hemodialysis

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Abstract
The feasibility of utilizing lyophilized veins for creation of A-V [arteriovenous] fistulas was examined in 2 studies. In Study I, the longevity of lyophilized vein fistulas was comparable to that of fresh veins in the experimental animal. Study II showed that lyophilized cadaveric veins performed at least as well as bovine grafts when used for vascular access in chronic hemodialysis patients. The advantages of lyophilized veins for creation of A-V fistulas in dialysis patients were described.