Evaluation of Vascular Access Using Cryopreserved Jugular Vein (Experimental Study)

While considering the rise in the mean age of the chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and increasing frequency of those who need constant hemodialysis, the creation of a native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is not possible, which could be due to the inaccessibility of the superficial veins. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the vascular access, using cryopreserved jugular vein. In this experimental study, 15 sheep (Wt.= 30-40 kg) were selected between the year 2001 and 2002. The external jugular vein of each sheep was excised and after cryopreservation was put in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Twenty-eight days later, the sample veins were used as allograft (in another sheep), and autograft (in the same sheep) and were placed between carotid artery and external jugular vein as bridge AVF. The efficacy, function, and patency were evaluated using doppler sonography and pathologic report. Patency rate of sample was 100% after 3 months in both allografts and autografts. Thrombosis, hematoma, and infection were not seen. No inflammation was detected in pathologic report. This study showed that using allograft vein for vascular access is feasible and suitable, and it is recommended specially for those with previously infected fistula.