Modified Human Umbilical Vein Arteriovenous Fistula for Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract
• Seventy-five modified human umbilical vein arteriovenous fistulas were created for maintenance hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease. After a maximum follow-up of 42 months, 51 (68.0%) of the grafts have been complication free. Thirty-six of the 41 complications (87.8%) have been correctable with minor surgical procedures and 70 (93.3%) of the fistulas are functional. These figures reflect a significant improvement over other currently available graft materials. (Arch Surg 1982;117:943-945)