Abstract

im: Surgical clip application which is a novel technigue of creating interrupted vascular anastomosis is also used in construction of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcome of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis as constructed using interrupted vascular elips and conventional continuous polypropylene sutures. Methods: 40 patients aged 47.25±17.19 years who were followed-up in our hospital for renal failure and needed hemodialysis were included in this prospective study. Patients were randomized and investigated in two groups; Group I (n=20): conventional continous suture technigue (CST) and Group II (n=20): vascular clip technique (VCT) which were used for arteriovenous anastomosis. The procedures were performed by the same surgical team. Operating time, anastomotic hleeding and 24 months patency rates were evaluated. Results: Operating time in patients with VCT was significantly shorter than CST group (p=0.001). Bleeding at the site of anastomosis was less in VCT than CST (p<0.05). Twenty four months patency rates were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was no complication attributed to the use of clip technique. Conclusion: In construction of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis uascular access, the application of vascular clip system is easy to use and produces a more rapid anastomosis with less bleeding compared to standard suture technique.