Angioaccess procedures for hemodialysis over a 12-year period were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain the frequency of infectious complications. A total of 571 angioaccess procedures were performed including 88 e-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Early infectious complications occurred only in 5 autologne fistulae. Late infectious complications developed in 2.3 % autogenous fistulae and in 7.95 % ePTFE grafts. Infected arteriovenous fistulae can be the cause of further complications (thrombosis, bleeding, aneurysm, sepsis) and call for surgical repair.

        Key words: arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis – infectious complications