Upper Arm Arteriovenous Bridge Grafts for Hemodialysis

Abstract

Upper arm arteriovenous bridge grafts are often required after failure of more distal access grafts. A retrospective review was performed comparing 57 brachioaxillary bridge grafts fistulas (BAGF) with 79 brachiosubclavian bridge graft fistulas (BSGF) performed over a twelve-year period. There was no statistical difference in primary or secondary patency rates. There was a statically higher rate of infection in the BSGF group (p<05). while thrombosis was more com mon in the BAGF group (p<.05)