Multi-center Experience of 164 Consecutive Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow [HeRO] Graft Implants for Hemodialysis Treatment

Report on the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) experience in dialysis patients with central venous occlusions

OBJECTIVE

The Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft (Hemosphere/CryoLife Inc, Eden Prairie, Minn) has provided an innovative means to obtain hemodialysis access for patients with severe central venous occlusive disease. The outcomes of this novel treatment modality in a difficult population have yet to be clearly established.

METHODS

A retrospective review of HeRO graft placement from June 2010 to January 2012 was performed. Patient hemodialysis access history, clinical complexity, complications, and outcomes were analyzed. Categoric data were described with counts and proportions, and continuous data with means, ranges and, when appropriate, standard deviations. Patency rates were analyzed using life-table analysis, and patency rate comparisons were made with a two-group proportion comparison calculator.

RESULTS

HeRO graft placement was attempted 21 times in 19 patients (52% women), with 18 of 21 (86%) placed successfully. All but one was placed in the upper extremity. Mean follow-up after successful placement has been 7 months (range, 0-23 months). The primary indication for all HeRO graft placements except one was central vein occlusion(s) and need for arteriovenous access. Patients averaged 2.0 previous (failed) accesses and multiple catheters. Four HeRO grafts (24%), all in women, required ligation and removal for severe steal symptoms in the immediate postoperative period (P < .01 vs men). Three HeROs were placed above fistulas for rescue. All thrombosed <4 months, although the fistulas remained open. An infection rate of 0.5 bacteremic events per 1000 HeRO-days was observed. At a mean follow-up of 7 months, primary patency was 28% and secondary patency was 44%. The observed 12-month primary and secondary patency rates were 11% and 32%, respectively. Secondary patency was maintained in four patients for a mean duration of 10 months (range, 6-18 months), with an average of 4.0 ± 2.2 thrombectomies per catheter.

CONCLUSIONS

HeRO graft placement, when used as a last-resort measure, has been able to provide upper extremity access in patients who otherwise would not have this option. There is a high complication rate, however, including a very high incidence of steal in women. HeRO grafts should continue to be used as a last resort.

Balloon-assisted over-the-wire technique for placement of the venous outflow component of the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) device

A modified technique for placement of the venous outflow component (VOC) of the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) device (Hemosphere Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) is described. The purpose of the technique is to improve the system's trackability and facilitate device insertion in patients with central venous occlusion. Device preparation requires placement of a 6-mm × 4-cm angioplasty balloon within the leading end of the VOC. The leading 2 cm of the balloon are placed just distal to the radiopaque marker of the VOC. The balloon is inflated to profile and locked in this position within the leading end of the VOC. The VOC and balloon combination is advanced over the wire through the 20F peel-away sheath provided by the manufacturer. The described technique was used to successfully implant the HeRO device in 12 patients with central venous occlusion. This technique is recommended for placement of the VOC of the HeRO device in patients with central venous occlusions.