The autogenous saphenous vein loop for haemodialysis

Eleven autogenous saphenous vein loops have been used in 9 patients on haemodialysis in order to gain access to the circulation. All the patients lacked peripheral vessels available for alternative procedures. These grafts have functioned satisfactorily for over 18 months and have proved technically easy to construct and efficient to use. Three loops thrombosed after successful renal transplantation, and 1 developed an aneurysm which was repaired. One vein loop failed during dialysis. In 1 patient the graft enlarged considerably and she died of congestive cardiac failure; the part played by the graft in the development of the cardiac failure remains uncertain.