The external jugular vein: an alternative outflow for insertion of upper extremity arteriovenous grafts in patients with obstructed axillary vein.

摘要

Construction ot a tunctional and durable hemodialysis vascular access is an ongoing challenge.1 Upper extremity arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are considered as an alternative access for upper extremity arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) before approaching the lower extremity for creating a permanent vascular access.1 It has been suggested that proximal axillary vein can be used for outflow in upper extremity AVGs with favorable outcome;2 however, in some cases, the axillary vein would become obstructed at the anastomosis site later. Therefore, introducing new options for inserting AVGs in these patients is necessary. Along with introduction of alternative AVGs in the upper and lower extremities,3'4 we aimed to briefly report our experience in creating upper extremity AVGs in which the external jugular vein is used as an outflow.