Arteriovenous Graft with Outflow in the Proximal Axillary Vein

Abstract

Arteriovenous access can result in complications including extremity ischemia and swelling. Use of the nondominant upper extremity is preferred because complications will result in less severe disability. The distal axillary vein in the axilla is usually considered to be the end point for arteriovenous access in the upper extremity. Vascular surgeons are familiar with exposure of the proximal axillary artery via an infraclavicular incision. The axillary vein is also easily exposed through this technique. Use of this vein for arteriovenous graft outflow can preserve the dominant arm for future use. Nine patients with arteriovenous grafts with venous outflow in the proximal arm for future use. All patients had exposure to the proximal axillary vein via an infraclavicular incision. There were six women and three men. All patients had multiple failed access in the ipsilateral extremity. One patient had a loop configuration graft, while the six others had a straight graft with arterial inflow via the brachial artery. One patient had a bovine mesenteric vein graft, while the remaining six had expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Six of the seven patients had ambulatory surgery, while one patient was admitted postoperatively with mental status changes. Patency rates were 78%, with mean follow-up of 16 months. One patient had early failure due to steal and one patient failed at 22 months. Six of seven patients are alive at current follow-up. Three patients required secondary procedures including venous angioplasty (n=2) and subclavian artery stenting (n=1). The infraclavicular axillary vein can be used as an effective outflow for arteriovenous grafts. This procedure can be done as an outpatient surgery with a low complication rate. This procedure can preserve the dominant arm for future access and provides a possible alternative to surgery on another extremity.