Hemodialysis graft: use as access for upper and lower extremity arteriography and interventional procedures--initial experience.

Functioning hemodialysis grafts were used as access sites for peripheral vascular arteriography and interventional procedures. In 11 patients with end-stage renal disease and ischemia, upper extremity (n = 8) or lower extremity (n = 3) arteriography was performed successfully. Angioplasty and other interventional procedures were performed via the same route in two of the patients. No bleeding complications occurred, and all patients were ambulatory immediately after the procedure.