What graft connects the brachial artery to the cephalic or basilic vein? It can also connect the SFA to the saphenous vein.

• A. PTFE Loop Graft
• B. PTFE Straight Graft
• C. Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistula
• D. Dacron Loop Graft

Answer: (A)

The concept here is the type and configuration of a hemodialysis arteriovenous (AV) graft. When the goal is to connect a feeding artery to a nearby superficial vein (such as the brachial artery to the cephalic or basilic vein in the arm, or the superficial femoral artery to the saphenous vein in the leg), a loop graft is often used because it provides a flexible, curved path that can be tunneled subcutaneously to create accessible cannulation sites and to accommodate the anatomic distance between vessels.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the typical graft material for these AV loops due to its reliable handling, durability, and patency in dialysis access. The loop configuration helps avoid sharp angles and tension at the connections, reducing mechanical stress and improving usability for frequent needle cannulation.

An autogenous arteriovenous fistula uses the patient’s own vessels without a synthetic graft, so it’s not the correct choice when a graft is specifically described. A straight graft could be used in some scenarios, but the question describes a loop form which is chosen for its advantages in bridging these vessel pairs and optimizing cannulation sites. A Dacron loop graft is similar in concept to a PTFE loop graft, but PTFE is the commonly referenced material in this context, which is why the loop PTFE graft is the best match.