SAPHENOUS VEIN AUTOGRAFT ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA FOR EXTENDED HEMODIALYSIS IN CHILDREN

Summary Twenty‐two saphenous vein autograft arterio‐venous (A‐V) fistulas were constructed in 21 patients aged 6 9/12 to 20 8/12 years. Clotting resulted in fistula failure in 4 instances, 16 fistulas have been utilized for repetitive hemo‐dialysis for 1 to 11 months, 2 fistulas have functioned for 4 1/2 to 15 1/2 months but have not as yet been utilized for dialysis, and 1 patient died suddenly shortly after the fistula was created. The advantages of the internal fistula for pediatric patients was the absence of infection, rarity of clotting episodes and freedom of arm movement. Despite the lack of complications and the advantages of the subcutaneous A‐V fistula in comparison with the external cannula, general acceptance was not uniform in the younger children because of the requirement for repeated venipunctures.