Comparative results of early and delayed cannulation of arteriovenous graft in haemodialysis.

Abstract

To determine whether arteriovenous graft (AVG) can be cannulated for haemodialysis 24-48 h following placement. Thirty-six upper extremity Gore-Tex PTFE arteriovenous grafts were cannulated for haemiodialysis 24-36 h (n = 18) and at 10-14 days (n = 18) following insertion. The determinant parameters were compression time to control bleeding, venous back pressure, haematoma, infection and occlusion. In a 40 day follow-up, there were no significant difference in cannulation of AVG at 24-36 h vs. 10-14 days using the predetermined parameters. Early graft cannulation produced no adverse results than late cannulation when the diameter of the tunneller matched the diameter of the graft. Early graft cannulation was safe and recommended.