Use of Heparin-Bonded Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts for Renal Artery Reconstruction

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to analyze our initial experience in renal artery reconstruction with heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. MethodsThe authors retrospectively reviewed the data of consecutive patients who received open renal reconstruction with a heparin-bonded ePTFE graft at our institution between January 2014 and December 2019. ResultsA total of 22 renal reconstructions with a heparin-bonded ePTFE graft were performed in 17 consecutive patients. In all cases, renal reconstruction was a concomitant procedure during surgical or endovascular aortic procedures. Postoperative complications within 30 days were observed in 9 (53%) patients, including acute kidney injury (n = 6), pneumonia (n = 1), retrograde type B aortic dissection (n = 1), and lower limb ischemia (n = 1). The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. In a median follow-up period of 32 (19–39) months, all grafts were patent without re-intervention. Six patients with preoperative stage 2 chronic kidney disease progressed to stage 3 during follow-up. No patient required temporary or permanent hemodialysis. One patient died from intestinal ischemia at 23 months after surgery. ConclusionsThis study showed that the patency after open renal reconstruction with a heparin-bonded ePTFE graft was excellent, with acceptable renal outcomes, and demonstrates its safety as a concomitant procedure during an aortic procedure. Heparin-bonded ePTFE grafts are a feasible and effective choice for open renal reconstruction in contemporary practice.