Massive aneurysmal dilatation of a depopulated ureteric hemodialysis xenograft.

ABSTRACT

Use of depopulated bovine ureteric xenografts for hemodialysis vascular access has recently been described. Cellular components have been removed, giving a connective tissue matrix which can be neocellularized, retaining native biomechanics. A 24-year-old male with end-stage renal disease from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presented with particularly difficult vascular access. A depopulated bovine ureteric xenograft was implanted from the left subclavian artery to innominate vein. It became massively aneurysmal, requiring emergency embolization. Biopsy of the graft stained positive for alpha-gal. We believe this is the first reported case of massive aneurysmal dilatation of a depopulated bovine ureteric xenograft.