An assessment of spiral flow graft patency rates in Hemodialysis (HD) patients

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular access for hemodialysis remains a challenge for end stage renal failure (ESRF) patients. Autogenous arterio-venous fistulae are the first choice, but synthetic grafts may be required. The Spiral Flow™ graft (SF) mimics physiological blood flow to minimize turbulence and neointimal hyperplasia. We analyzed patency of SF for hemodialysis at a vascular unit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Method: A retrospective review was performed of upper arm SF implanted between 2013and 2015. Primary and secondary patency rates were analyzed. Results: Eighty grafts were placed in 71 patients. The primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 54 % (95 % CI: 41 %-65 %) and 63 % (95 % CI: 43 %-78 %), respectively. Poor patency risks such as Black ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes and HIV, were present in 75 %, 61 %, 26 % and 19 %, respectively. Conclusion: SFs were associated with acceptable patency rates in ESRF patients. Excessive comorbidities may affect patency rates.

Keywords

• End stage renal failure
• Hemodialysis
• Spiral laminar flow
• Comorbidities
• Patency rates