Alternative prosthetic vascular access creation using subscapular artery as inflow to prevent dialysis access related steal syndrome

Abstract

In patients highly suspected of developing steal syndrome, the subscapular artery may be a good supplier for functional prosthetic arteriovenous access, as well as a good solution for the prevention of steal syndrome. A 51-year-old woman was preparing to have a loop shaped polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft placed at the left upper extremity. The diameter of subscapular the artery was 3 mm. Arterial calcification was not evident. The diameter of the basilic vein was 6 mm. A 50-cm long 4-7 mm tapered PTFE graft was placed in a loop shape between both skin incisions. The patient was uneventfully discharged at postoperative day 4 without any remaining steal syndrome. The PTFE graft was well-functioning during the follow-up period. The patient did not experience symptoms of steal syndrome any longer.