USEFULNESS OF ANATOMICAL SNUFFBOX FOR BLOOD ACCESS

Anatomical snuff box (Tabatiere) has come the common use as the site of blood access (BA) for chronic hemodialysis patients. Eighty-three cases undergoing an initial BA surgery were subjected to a study on the difference in blood flow and patency in BA sites between Tabatiere and conventional standard sites, the wrist and elbow. In addition respective BA sites were compared for underlying diseases anstomosis procedure, and complications. 1) Tabatiere for initial BA surgery was excellent in blood flow and patency, bearing comparison with standard sites. 2) If radial pulse was strong despite diabetic nephropathy, blood flow and patency were satisfactory. 3) For aged and female patients the maximum blood flow during hemodialysis was signifi-cantly lower. 4) End-to-side anastomoses were preferable since the frequency of early occlusion (up to 1 month) was greater in the cases undergoing side-tp-side anastomoses than those undergoing end-to-side anastomoses. 5) The risk of shunt occlusion was significantly greater in the cases with less maximum blood flow.