What is a true statement about an AV graft as compared to an AV fistula?

The statement about an AV graft indicating that a patient can usually use it 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery is accurate due to the differences in healing and maturation time between an AV graft and an AV fistula. An AV graft involves connecting an artery and a vein through a synthetic tube, which allows for immediate access after it has adequately healed, typically within a shorter timeframe than that of an AV fistula.

In contrast, an AV fistula requires a longer maturation period, as it relies on the body’s biological processes to develop a suitable connection between the artery and vein. This process can take several weeks to months, meaning that patients typically cannot use an AV fistula for dialysis immediately after its creation.

Additionally, while both AV grafts and fistulas can be associated with complications, a graft is generally less prone to significant infection due to its synthetic nature, though it can still face challenges, particularly with patency and thrombosis. The lifespan of an AV graft can vary significantly and is generally longer than just a few months with proper care, making the statement about the limited duration of an graft incorrect. Thus, the statement regarding the timeframe for usability after surgery is indeed a true and supportive aspect of AV grafts compared to AV fistulas.