The Role of Cryopreserved Femoral Vein Graft in Hemodialysis Access Surgery

Cryopreserved allografts have demonstrated resistance to infection similar to that of autogenous tissue when used for the treatment of prosthetic arterial bypass graft infections. As the number of hemodialysis access procedures increases, prosthetic hemodialysis graft infection has become a significant problem. We have used the cryopreserved femoral vein as an alternative conduit in the treatment of prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis graft infections. Forty-eight cryopreserved femoral vein AV graft procedures were performed. The 1-year primary graft patency rate was 49%, while the secondary graft patency rate was 75%. No subsequent cryopreserved allograft infections occurred. The cryopreserved femoral vein graft is a safe, durable, and infection resistant conduit for the treatment of prosthetic AV hemodialysis graft infections