Routine use of the Scribner shunt for haemodialysis.

venous limbs of the shunt is removed and the patient is connected to the dialyser. At the end of dialysis the U-tube is replaced. The use of the Scribner shunt in intermittent haemodialysis for chronic renal failure is well recognized, and Chisholm (1961) has advocated its use in some patients with acute renal failure and especially those who have few available veins. It is our belief that it should be used in all patients with acute renal failure who are likely to require more than one haemodialysis; certain patients with acute renal failure may be alternatively managed successfully by peritoneal dialysis. It is the purpose of this paper to show that the routine use of the Scribner shunt, as opposed to repeated cannulation, saves time and trouble in a busy artificial kidney unit and