Yashoda Hospitals > Surgeries > AV Flow Graft Surgery with Implant

AV Flow Graft

Q: Can I work out after the AV Graft surgery?

It is advised to avoid heavy work out after the AV Graft, especially strenuous exercises or lifting heavy weights until the Graft heals and becomes functional. The patient can start with light exercises afterwards; however, he should consult the doctor on the kind of activities he can do after this surgery.

AV Flow Graft Surgery with Implant (PTFE Graft) is a surgical procedure where the surgeon creates an artificial connection (graft) between an artery and vein. It uses an implant made of synthetic material – polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE).

Doctors use this technique if the patient is undergoing hemodialysis or has end-stage kidney disease and other procedures such as AV fistula, which cannot be treated. PTFE implants offer the advantage of being safe, long-lasting, and easy to implant.

How is AV Flow Graft Surgery with Implant (PTFE Graft) performed?

Before surgery: Before surgery, the doctor will have a physical examination done to assess the overall condition and the requirement of AV Graft. Then, the patient will undergo vascular mapping – an ultrasound done to examine the condition and health of veins and arteries.

The patient is also advised to see a vascular surgeon.

During surgery: The patient may undergo surgery under local or general anaesthesia; the healthcare professional may also administer a sedative, depending on the patient’s medical condition.

Then the surgeon will make two incisions at the selected site to identify the vein and artery and implant the PTFE Graft by sewing one end to the artery and the other to the vein. The incisions are then closed.

After surgery: After the surgery, the medical professionals will monitor the patient for 2-3 days, with his vital parameters constantly being checked.

Once the patient regains consciousness, he will be moved ward/room in the hospital or be discharged on the same day if he underwent surgery on an outpatient basis.

Cost of the AV Flow Graft Surgery with Implant (PTFE Graft)

Doctors can perform this surgery on an outpatient basis and same-day evaluation. Book an appointment and get free cost estimation now.

Description	Cost
Cost of surgery in Hyderabad	1,40,000- 1,80,000
Cost of surgery in India	1,25,000 1,75,000

Surgery details	Description
Number of days in the hospital	1 to 2 days
Type of surgery	Minor
Type of Anaesthesia	Local or General anaesthesia
Number of days required to recover	3 to 4 weeks
Duration of the procedure	45 minutes to 1 hour
Type of surgical options available	Minimal invasive

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Risks and complications of the AV Flow Graft Surgery with Implant (PTFE Graft)

Risk factors
Risk Factors for AV Flow Graft Surgery include the following:

Risk for elderlies
Bleeding disorders
Use of medications affecting blood clotting
Vascular diseases
Heart conditions

Complications
Post-ligation hypertension could occur as a major complication. In addition, the following complications could take place following the AV Graft implantation:

Incision site infection
Implant infections
Hypersensitivity to PTFE implant
Redness or swelling at the site of implant
Clot formation
Disintegration of Graft
Deep vein thrombosis due to clotting
Excessive bleeding

References

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about AV Flow Graft

Usually, AV Grafts do not require any time to mature, contrary to AV fistulas which could take approximately 6-12 weeks.

AV Grafts have the advantage of being able to be used within 3 to 4 weeks after implantation, and there is no risk of maturation failure, as in the case of AV fistulas.

Generally, AV Grafts take around 3-4 weeks to heal. It gives the advantage of using it after 3-4 weeks of placement. In some instances, the doctors may implant an early stick graft that could be functional in a few days.

AV Grafts do have the chance of getting infected, although these are less than the other methods such as catheters. The patient should take care to let the graft heal for approximately 3 to 4 weeks, after which he can shower.

Also, he should avoid rubbing or massaging the site of the implant.

Fewer chances of infection than catheters, ease of implantation than fistulas, no maturity time, unlike AV fistulas, and quick healing time are the pros of AV Grafts.

Disadvantages of the AV Graft include short life compared to AV fistula, increased risk of clotting, and needles are required to access the Graft.

Before undergoing AV Graft surgery, the patient will need to have a vascular mapping done. It will help the surgeon assess the health of your blood vessels and identify the site of implantation.

The patient also needs to consult the vascular specialist to understand the expectations and outcomes.

It is advised to avoid heavy work out after the AV Graft, especially strenuous exercises or lifting heavy weights until the Graft heals and becomes functional. The patient can start with light exercises afterwards; however, he should consult the doctor on the kind of activities he can do after this surgery.