Vascular Allografts and Infected AV Grafts
The Challenge
- Up to 35% of AV grafts become infected1

The Solutions: CryoVein® and CryoArtery®
CryoVein and CryoArtery may be placed directly into an infected field to allow healing and revascularization in a single procedure, saving potential future AV access sites.2,3
Allograft vs. Graft Excision
Allograft Method
Single procedure: save the site2,3
- Remove infected AV graft and implant allograft in the same infected site, saving potential future AV access sites
- Insert a temporary dialysis catheter and IV antibiotic therapy
- Access is possible within 10 to 14 days4,5
Graft Excision Method
Multiple procedures: lose the site2,3
- Remove infected AV graft
- Insert a temporary dialysis catheter and IV antibiotic therapy
- After the infection is cleared, perform another operation with a new AV graft in a different location, diminishing potential sites for future AV access
- Access graft at surgeon’s discretion
Allografts for Treating AV Graft Infections
Re-infection Rates
CryoVein Femoral Vein | Patients Treated for AV Graft Infection |
Re-Infection Rates |
Follow Up Period |
---|---|---|---|
Lin et al.2 | 36 | 0% | 1 Year |
Matsuura et al.4 | 38 | 0% | 1 Year |
Matsuura et al.5 | 43 | 2.3% | 2 Years |
CryoLife Multicenter6 | 52 | 3% | 2 Years |
Cost Comparison
CryoVein Femoral Vein vs. Graft Excision7
Treatment Methods | Patients | Average Hospital Stay (p=0.001) | Overall Hospital Cost |
---|---|---|---|
CryoVein Femoral Vein | 20 | 2.3 days | $13,843 ± $6,0007 |
Graft Excision | 13 | 8.1 days | $22,136 ± $12,665 |
Conclusion: “Cryopreserved femoral vein is a cost-effective means of treating infected AV grafts.”7
A CryoVein Femoral Vein Implant Technique for AV Access
To minimize the risk of arterial steal, taper the arterial end of the CryoVein Femoral Vein using an angled cut of the allograft and oversewing the heel of the graft with 6-0 polypropylene suture to create a 4mm2, 5mm5, or 6mm diameter.6

Learn More
Read the clinical update from the National Kidney Foundation about how cryopreserved allografts can effectively manage infected AV grafts.
References
- Akoh J. Prosthetic arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis. J Vasc Access 2009;10:137-47.
- Lin P, et al. Management of infected hemodialysis access grafts using cryopreserved human vein allografts. Am J Surg 2002;184:31-6.
- Matsuura J. Cryopreserved human femoral vein: a new option for infected access grafts. Contemp Dial & Neph 1999:30-2.
- Matsuura J, et al. Cryopreserved femoral vein for difficult hemodialysis access. Ann Vasc Surg 2000;12:50-5.
- Matsuura J, et al. Hemodialysis graft infections treated with cryopreserved femoral vein. Cardiovasc Surg 2002. 10;6:561-65.
- CryoLife, data on file (ML0101).
- Matsuura J, et al. Cost comparison of CryoVein implantation versus graft excision in treating infected hemodialysis grafts. Presented at the 10th Annual Winter Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Snowmass, CO. January 14, 2000.
Vascular Allografts