| Abstract: | Thrombosis of the axillary vein occurred in two patients following creation of an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. The thrombosis developed before the fistula was used for dialysis, and was demonstrated by venography. Treatment in both cases involved anticoagulant therapy and ligation of the fistula; both patients experienced relief of pain and swelling, although the collateral venous congestion remained unchanged. This complication of arteriovenous fistula creation has not been previously described, probably because thrombosis does not usually occur in a high venous flow state. |
