NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marwan Tabbara, M.D., vascular surgeon at the University of Miami Health System, reported using a standard protocol on 855 upper extremity fistulas created over a ten year period. The findings suggest the use of a standard protocol for creation and management of arteriovenous fistulas can help increase the rate of functional access over the national benchmarks. Additionally, extension/conversions of a malfunctioning fistula to grafts appear to be an excellent method to expedite removal of a tunneled dialysis catheter with concomitant preservation of a fistula.
The full study can be found in the June, 2013 issue of The American Surgeon: “Analysis of 855 Upper Extremity Fistulas Created Using a Standard Protocol: The Role of Graft Extension to Achieve Functional Status.”
Using Artegraft® Bovine Carotid Artery Graft™ as graft extensions resulted in an increase in the functional fistula access rate by 30% to help accomplish a total functional fistula access rate of 79.8%.
Artegraft was utilized to salvage malfunctioning or short fistulas at the venous outflow. Each fistula was followed for one year. Functional status was achieved if hemodialysis could be performed using the access for at least three months after cannulation.
“The natural benefits of Artegraft closely mimic those of a native fistula, providing enhanced patient outcomes for hemodialysis access patients,” stated Rick Gibson, President & CEO, Artegraft.
Bovine Carotid Artery Graft technology consists of a biological collagen cross-linked matrix, creating a flexible and compliant vascular conduit that closely matches a native vessel. Artegraft’s patency rates were previously reported to be clinically superior to ePTFE for AV access according to the published study in the June, 2011 issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery.
About Artegraft
Incorporated in 1993, Artegraft, Inc. offers surgeons a biological alternative to synthetic grafts. Artegraft’s natural collagen matrix has proven long-term patency advantages over ePTFE and other synthetic graft materials. Artegraft is also positioned as an alternative to a non-viable autogenous fistula. Artegraft was the first vascular graft approved by the FDA in 1970 and has been in continuous clinical use for over 40 years. Available in lengths from 15 to 50 cm and in 6, 7 and 8 mm diameters, Artegraft is approved for use, distal to the aorta, for segmental bypass, arterial replacement, patch graft, femoropopliteal bypass when the patient’s saphenous is absent or inadequate, but is predominantly used as a hemodialysis graft. For more information, visit www.artegraft.com.
