Abstract
The tapered graft was developed to control high access flow and to prevent high flow problems. This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare A-V graft fistula flow volume between tapered and straight grafts. Tapered grafts of 4-6mm were implanted in 14 patients respectively, and 6mm straight grafts were respectively implanted in 14 patients. Flow volume of the A-V graft fistula was measured using a Crit-Line III monitor by the hematocrit dilution method. Venous pressure was defined as dialysis machine venous pressure at a blood flow rate of 200ml/min. The mean period from graft implantation to measurements was 20 days. Flow volumes of tapered and straight grafts were 1855±505ml/min and 2011±748ml/min. Venous pressures of tapered and straight grafts were 115±28mmHg and 121±23mmHg. Access flow volume and venous pressure showed no significant differences between the tapered and straight grafts. We conclude that the advantage of the tapered graft over the straight graft was unelucidated by our findings.
