Endovascular Management of Central Thoracic Veno-Occlusive Diseases in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single Institutional Experience in 69 Consecutive Patients

Long-Term Outcome of a "Mother-Child" Coaxial Dual-Catheter Technique for Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Central Vein Stenosis or Occlusion in Hemodialysis Patients

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcome and prognostic factors of a "mother-child" coaxial dual-catheter technique for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the treatment of central vein stenosis (CVS) or central vein occlusion (CVO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During September 2017 to August 2020, totally, 76 hemodialysis patients with symptomatic CVS or CVO were treated with PTA using the mother-child technique. The success rate, complications, and follow-up information were collected. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to explore the predicting factors of primary patency. Primary patency rates of different subgroups were generated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test.

RESULTS

There were 31 CVS patients and 45 CVO patients who presented with 114 PTAs. The initial procedure success rate was 98.25%. By the end of the follow-up, 57 patients (75%) had maintained functioning fistula after initial or repeated PTAs. The primary patency rates were 88.75% at 3 months, 73.36% at 6 months, 55.83% at 12 months, and 50.75% at 18 months. The secondary patency rates were 97.14% at 6 months, 87.66% at 12 months, and 82.18% at 24 months. The predictors for primary patency were history diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-7.30, P = .010), abnormal white blood cell count (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18-1.75, P < .001), lesion at subclavian-innominate vein (HR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.34-5.63, P = .006), and occlusion (HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.76, P = .010). The primary patency was significantly lower in the subclavian-innominate vein subgroup, with a median primary patency of 4.5 (3-12.75) months, than in the nonsubclavian-innominate vein subgroup (8.5 [5-13] months; P = .005). The median duration of each PTA was 8 months for the first PTA, 7.5 months for the second PTA, and 5 months for the third PTA. There was no significant difference in the patency duration of repeated PTAs and the primary PTA (P = .389).

CONCLUSIONS

The mother-child coaxial dual-catheter technique has a good success rate and acceptable primary patency in the treatment of hemodialysis patients with CVS or CVO. Repeated PTA is as effective as the primary PTA.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This is the follow up report on the "Mother-Child" coaxial dual-catheter technique for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of central vein stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients since we first presented it in 2019. In this paper, we can see that the long-term patency rate of this technique for central venous disease is satisfactory, and repeated use of this technique does not affect the patency time. Compared with other literature reports, the surgical success rate of this technique is significantly improved. Therefore, this technique is worth popularizing in the treatment of central venous disease.

Clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy with vascular stents for central venous obstruction in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic central venous obstruction (CVO) is sometimes observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Angioplasty is generally performed for salvage purposes, and stent implantation is performed as a last resort to prevent permanent venous occlusion. However, published reports about the clinical outcomes of stenting for CVO have been limited by the small number of included patients and the relatively old generation of analyzed stents. This study aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy (EVT) using stents for symptomatic CVO in contemporary practice.

METHODS

This retrospective review was performed between May 2012 and August 2021. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive 31 lesions (31 patients, 64 ± 10.7 years old) treated with a vascular stent for elastic recoil after balloon angioplasty or recurrent stenosis <3 months after angioplasty. The primary outcome was primary patency, defined as freedom from target lesion revascularization. The secondary outcome was assisted primary patency, defined as freedom from permanent occlusion of the target stents.

RESULTS

In all cases, stents were successfully deployed on the target lesions. No EVT-related complications were observed. Self-expandable and balloon-expandable stents were used in 26 and 5 lesions, respectively. The median follow-up period was 18 months (interquartile range, 7-40). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the primary patency rates were 66.1 % at 6 months, 61.7 % at 12 months, and 38.4 % at 24 months after EVT. The assisted primary patency rate was 70.3 % 24 months after EVT. In the multivariate analysis, younger age was the only independent predictor of target lesion revascularization (hazard ratio: 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.85-0.99, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Stent implantation for CVO that is resistant to standard angioplasty seems safe and effective.

Clinical Implications of Phenotypes of Hemodialysis Patients With Central Venous Occlusion or Central Venous Stenosis Defined by Cluster Analysis

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association between clinical factors of patients with central (superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, or subclavian) venous occlusion or central venous stenosis (CVO/CVS) and the difficulty of interventional recanalization as well as the duration of postoperative patency.

Methods

A total of 103 hemodialysis patients with CVO/CVS treated with endovascular treatment were enrolled. The two-step cluster analysis was selected to differentiate the cases into distinct phenotypes automatically. Differences in characteristics, the difficulty of interventional recanalization, and the duration of postoperative primary patency time between the two clusters were statistically compared.

Results

The 103 cases were divided into distinct two clusters by the two-step cluster analysis with 48 (46.6%) in cluster 1 and 55 (53.4%) in cluster 2. Compared to cluster 2, patients in cluster 1 have a higher proportion of blunt stump, side branches, occlusion lesions >2 cm, calcification, or organization. Moreover, the above four factors were, in turn, the most critical four predictors distinguishing 103 patients into two clusters. The remaining six factors were, in turn, occlusion located in the superior vena cava (SVC), duration of central venous catheterization (CVC), lesion location, vessel diameter, number of CVC, and previously failed lesion. Of the four most important factors, with the exception of occlusion lesions exceeding 2 cm, there were significant differences in the length of procedure time between the groups grouped by the remaining three factors. And there was a significant difference in the primary patency rate between the group with blunt stump and the group without blunt stump and also between the group with occlusion lesions ≥ 2 cm and the group with occlusion lesions <2 cm. The operation time of cluster 1 was longer than that of cluster 2. In terms of postoperative patency time, the primary patency time was significantly longer in the patients of cluster 2 compared with cluster 1 (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Patients were divided into distinct two clusters. CVO/CVS of patients in cluster 1 was more challenging to be recanalized than that in cluster 2, and the primary patency time was significantly longer in the patients of cluster 2 compared with cluster 1. Blunt stump, side branches, occlusion lesions exceeding 2 cm, and calcification or organization are the four most critical predictors distinguishing 103 patients into two clusters.

Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft creation in upper extremities abandoned due to stent obstruction via recanalization and HeRO outflow component insertion across stent interstices

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of recanalization and subsequent HeRO graft outflow component insertion across stent interstices in patients with an otherwise abandoned upper extremity.

METHODS

Over a 10-year period, 15 patients underwent central venous recanalization by interventional radiology across the interstices of one or more occluded stents for the purpose of subsequent HeRO graft creation. A tunneled central venous catheter was left across the stent and occlusions with tip in right atrium. On a later date, the catheter was used for rapid guidewire access for HeRO graft implantation in the OR by vascular surgery. Procedural and clinical outcomes were determined by retrospective review. Primary and secondary HeRO graft patency rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier technique.

RESULTS

The technical success rates of recanalization across stent interstices was 100% (15/15). Between one and four overlapping stent walls were traversed. The technical success of the patients who underwent attempted HeRO graft implantation with outflow component traversing across stent interstices was 91% (11/12). No major complications were encountered with either recanalization or HeRO graft implantation. The primary and secondary HeRO patency rates at 12 months were 64% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HeRO graft insertion across stent interstices is feasible and can provide effective permanent AV access; thus, the presence of stents across the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins should not be considered a contraindication.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Chronic Total Subclavian Venous Stenosis Using Coronary Guidewire: A Case Report

Arteriovenous fistula is the best permanent vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). However, in our country, HD catheter in jugular or subclavian vein is more commonly found because our patients prefer to hold HD until the complications are unbearable. The catheter increases risk of venous stenosis on site and in surrounding vessels, resulting in access loss. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), combined with stent deployment, can be utilized as main treatment for such stenosis in subclavian vein. This method dated back to two decades ago with high success rate. Nevertheless, reports or studies of angioplasty in total occlusion are scarce, mainly because of lower success rate and the need of smaller penetrating wire. We describe our experience in performing PTA and stent deployment using coronary wire to penetrate total occlusion in subclavian venous stenosis after vein cannulation. We hope that we can give an alternative technique to avoid surgery in such cases.

Left temporal hemorrhage caused by cerebral venous reflux of a brachio-brachial hemodialysis fistula

Central vein disease (CVD) is a well-known complication of central venous cannulations, indwelling dialysis catheters, and arteriovenous grafts. Brachiocephalic vein (BCV) stenosis or thrombotic occlusion can occur in dialysis patients, and the presence of an ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula can cause cerebral venous hypertension due to retrograde flow in the ipsilateral jugular vein. A 53-year-old man receiving hemodialysis (left brachiocephalic hemodialysis fistula) presented with impaired consciousness and seizures related to status epilepticus due to left temporal multifocal hemorrhages. Brain computed tomography and angiogram showed left cortical vein congestion without intracranial arteriovenous shunt. Complementary left brachial angiogram showed a left BCV stenosis and jugular and cerebral high-flow venous reflux with cortical venous reflux from the hemodialysis fistula. The left arm shunt resulted in severe cerebral venous hypertension due to ipsilateral stenosis of the BCV. BCV angioplasty immediately resolved the cerebral reflux. Patients with hemodialysis fistulas are at a higher risk of developing these intracerebral hemorrhage complications.

Outcome of Central Vein Occlusion Recanalization in Hemodialysis Patients and Predictors for Success: A Retrospective Study

Background:

Catheter-directed treatment is the standard approach for the management of chronic central venous occlusion.

Purpose:

The objective of this study is to report the outcome of conventional recanalization of chronic central vein occlusion in hemodialysis patients and to determine the predictors for success.

Material and Methods:

All hemodialysis patients who underwent endovascular recanalization of central vein occlusion from January 2012 to December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. The procedure was percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Stenting was performed in case of a significant recoil stenosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate central vein patency. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to calculate the predictive factors.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients (mean age, 61.2 years; range, 25‒89 years old) with 97 central vein occlusions were enrolled. Technical success was achieved in 49 patients (50.5%). The primary patency rates of central veins at 6 and 12 months were achieved in 17 patients (34.4%) and 8 patients (15.8%), respectively. The assisted primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were achieved in 38 patients (77.3%) and 30 patients (61%), respectively. Patient age ≥60 years and a tapered-type of lesion were significant predictive factors for successful recanalization.

Conclusion:

Endovascular treatment of the central vein occlusion using a conventional technique is moderately effective and safe. Angioplasty alone and stenting were not significantly different in terms of patency rate. The age of the patients and type of occlusion were significant predictors for successful recanalization.

Efficacy and safety of a mother-child technique for recanalization of chronic central venous occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVE

There is no optimal treatment for central vein occlusive disease that remains a major contributor to vascular access impairment. This study aimed to review the outcomes of percutaneous treatment with a mother-child technique in the treatment of symptomatic central venous stenosis (CVS) and central venous occlusion (CVO) in patients on hemodialysis.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively and included all consecutive patients with CVS or CVO who were treated with percutaneous angioplasty and stenting. The occlusive lesions were crossed using the mother-child technique with an angiographic catheter-in-guiding catheter system.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients with symptomatic CVS and 45 patients with total CVO were included. The average age and gender composition were similar between the two groups. Patients with CVO had higher prevalence of diabetic nephropathy than CVS (24.4% vs 5.6%; P < .05). Lesion success, device success, and procedural success were achieved in 36 (100%), 1 (100%), and 36 (100%) patients in the CVS group and in 43 (95.6%), 11 (100%), and 43 (95.6%) patients in the CVO group, respectively. There were no severe complications or procedure-related deaths in either group. During follow-up (median, 6 months), the primary patency rates were 89.7% (CVS) and 81.0% (CVO) at 6 months and were 54.2% (CVS) and 47.1% (CVO) at 12 months. The assisted primary patency rates were 100% (CVS) and 91.2% (CVO) at 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

With extra backup support of the mother-child technique, percutaneous treatment provides an effective and safe method for recanalization of chronic venous occlusion in patients on hemodialysis.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for central venous stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients

The objectives of central venous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty are to dilate the venous lesion and to extend the life of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis. It is reasonable to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for central venous lesions if this interventional therapy is required to maintain stable dialysis therapy. However, the presence of large fresh thrombus at central venous lesion site represents a contraindication to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty unless the thrombus can first be removed by thrombectomy. Balloon angioplasty is a basic treatment for central venous lesion, but stent implantation is sometimes required. The self-expandable or balloon-expandable stent is chosen by the lesion location and characteristics. The lesion in subclavian vein is generally treated by self-expandable stent and right brachiocephalic vein is treated by balloon-expandable stent. The organic lesion of innominate vein with plaque is treated by self-expandable stent. Note that the innominate venous stenosis is sometimes caused by compression between the right brachiocephalic artery and the sternum, and this lesion is treated by balloon-expandable stent because the radial force of balloon-expandable stent is stronger than self-expandable stent. It is important to understand the indication and stent selection for central venous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Percutaneous intervention for symptomatic central vein stenosis in patients with upper limb arteriovenous dialysis access

Central venous stenosis is an important hindrance to long-term maintenance of arteriovenous access in the upper extremities in dialysis patients.

Aim

The present study was done to determine feasibility and clinical success of endovascular approach for the treatment of symptomatic central venous stenosis associated with significant ipsilateral limb edema in dialysis patients with vascular access in the upper limb.

Methods

A database of hemodialysis patients who underwent endovascular treatment for central venous stenosis from January 2014 to January 2017 at our institute was retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was variable.

Results

The study included ten patients (6 men and 4 women) with a mean age of 45.2 years, who underwent thirteen interventions during a period of 3 years. The technical success rate for endovascular treatment was 100%. One patient underwent primary PTA (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty). Seven patients underwent primary PTA and stenting. Three patients underwent secondary PTA. One among these patients underwent secondary PTA twice along with fistuloplasty. One patient underwent secondary PTA with stenting. No immediate complications were encountered during the procedure. Our study shows a primary patency rate of 67% and 33% at 6 months and 12 months for PTA with stenting. Our study also shows secondary or assisted primary patency of 75% at 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Endovascular therapy (PTA) with or without stenting for central venous stenosis is safe, with low rates of technical failure. Multiple additional interventions are the rule and long-term patency rate is not very good.

Primary Stenting Is Not Necessary in Benign Central Venous Stenosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate central venous stenosis (CVS) etiologies and presentation within a vascular surgery practice. We evaluated endovascular treatment modalities and the patency rates of our interventions.

METHODS

Five-year retrospective review of endovascular intervention for CVS. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and variables were collected including etiology, indwelling device, previous upper extremity (UE) deep venous thrombosis, long-term UE indwelling device (defined as >30 days), malignancy status, hypercoagulable disorders, history of radiation or mediastinal fibrosis or masses, and anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy. Follow-up variables included symptoms, imaging, and anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet utilization. Living patients without recent follow-up were contacted with a telephone survey regarding current symptoms. Patency was evaluated by imaging or clinically by recurrence of signs or symptoms through January 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients underwent attempted endovascular CVS interventions from January 2007 to 2013. Forty-seven (83%) patients had successful interventions. There were 22 (36%) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The primary etiology in 79% of patients was benign CVS secondary to an indwelling device. Eighty-nine percent of the interventions were primary angioplasty (PTA). The overall primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 49%, 34%, and 24%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 97%, 93%, and 88%, respectively. There were no statistical differences in demographics or outcomes in patients treated successfully with PTA or those requiring stenting. There was no statistical difference in the patency rates between ESRD and non-ESRD patients. Previous interventions were not a predictor of loss of patency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supported the rising trend of benign CVS predominantly secondary to indwelling devices. We demonstrated acceptable secondary patency with PTA alone. This study adds further support for a primary angioplasty strategy in treating benign CVS. The optimal endovascular treatment for benign CVS is still undefined.

Symptomatic superior vena cava syndrome in hemodialysis patients: mid-term results of primary stenting

This clinical report details the results of endovascular treatment of symptomatic superior vena cava syndrome due to central vein stenosis or obstruction (CVSO) by stent angioplasty in patients with dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease. A 3-year retrospective review of two institutional registries identified 25 chronic hemodialysis patients (17 men, 8 women) affected by CVSO who received endovascular treatment. The majority of the patients (n = 19) presented with symptomatic arm, breast, and facial swelling; and 6 patients presented with dialysis-access dysfunction and venous-line hypertension. The etiology of CVSO was before central venous catheter in all but 2 patients. Venography showed 19 cases of stenosis (4 stenoses of superior vena cava, 3 brachiocephalic, 10 subclavian, and 2 axillary veins) and 6 occlusions of the superior vena cava. After percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and primary stent angioplasty, there was an immediate regression of symptoms and arteriovenous fistula preservation in 21 cases; 4 patients received a new arteriovenous fistula after interventional treatment. No procedural major complications or patient deaths occurred. During the follow-up period, we recorded a primary patency rate of 95%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, at 6, 12, and 18 months; and a secondary patency rate of 100%, 95%, and 90%, respectively, at 6, 12, and 18 months. In conclusion, endovascular treatment with primary stenting has proven to be a durable treatment option for hemodialysis patients with CVSO, and this treatment should be considered before dialysis access placement in patients with catheter-induced central vein obstruction.

Treatment of central venous in-stent restenosis with repeat stent deployment in hemodialysis patients

Purpose

To report patency rates for stent deployment for treatment of in-stent stenosis of the central veins of the chest in hemodialysis patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients who underwent 35 secondary percutaneous transluminal stent (PTS) deployments for in-stent stenosis within the central veins that were refractory to angioplasty and ipsilateral to a functioning hemodialysis access (in-stent PTS group). For comparison, patency data were acquired for 47 patients who underwent 78 successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures for in-stent stenosis (in-stent PTA group) and 55 patients who underwent 55 stent deployments within native central vein stenosis refractory to angioplasty (native vein PTS group).

Results

The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary lesion patency for the in-stent PTS group was 73%, 57%, and 32%, respectively. The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary patency for the in-stent PTA group was 70%, 38%, and 17% and for the native vein PTS group was 78%, 57%, and 26%, which were similar to the in-stent PTS group (p = 0.20 and 0.41, respectively). The 3-, 6-, and 12-month secondary access patency was 91%, 73%, and 65% for the in-stent PTS group. Sub-analysis of the in-stent PTS group revealed no difference in primary (p = 0.93) or secondary patency rates (p = 0.27) of bare metal stents (n = 23) compared with stent grafts (n = 12).

Conclusions

Stent deployment for central vein in-stent stenosis refractory to angioplasty was associated with reasonable patency rates, which were similar to in-stent PTA and native vein PTS.

The value of intravascular ultrasound in the treatment of central venous obstructions in hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard in diagnosis and treatment of central venous obstructions (CVOs) in hemodialysis access. However, growing data suggest that DSA might underestimate the degree and morphology of venous outflow stenosis. This could lead to inappropriate CVO management. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been shown to identify lesion characteristics remaining obscure with angiography. With the current study we suggest IVUS as an eminent imaging modality in CVO management.

METHODS

Twelve patients (8 male, mean age 62.4 ± 9 years) were analyzed for suspicion of symptomatic CVO. Both angiography and IVUS evaluation were performed to determine the degree of obstruction before and after PTA. Stent placement was indicated when significant residual stenosis (&gt;50% lumen reduction) was suspected.

RESULTS

Conventional plain angiography determined 8 out of 12 central venous lesions significant. Secondary signs of obstruction, i.e., collateral filling, was present in all 12 cases. After PTA, persistent significant stenosis was observed in 3 out of 12 patients. IVUS showed significant lumen reduction in all 12 cases. Additionally, IVUS showed a median cross-sectional area of 24 ± 12 mm2 before PTA and 37 ± 23 mm2 after PTA (NS). Furthermore, IVUS showed signs of intraluminal fibrotic trabeculations in 9 patients. Stenting was performed in 10 patients with &gt;50% lumen reduction on IVUS after PTA.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional angiography seems unreliable to identify all significant aspects of a central venous outflow obstruction. Additional use of IVUS might aid in the decision-making process and select the optimal treatment strategy.

Endovascular treatment of central venous obstruction as a complication of prolonged hemodialysis - Preliminary experience in a tertiary care center

Background:

Central venous disease is a serious complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis, often presenting with symptoms of venous hypertension. Treatment is aimed to provide symptomatic relief and to maintain hemodialysis access site patency.

Aim:

To describe our initial experience in the endovascular treatment of central venous stenosis or obstruction in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care center. Study duration was 24 months. Follow-up was variable.

Materials and Methods:

Eleven patients of chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis presented with central vein stenosis or obstruction having ipsilateral vascular access, between July 2012 and July 2014. All the patients underwent endovascular treatment and were analyzed retrospectively.

Results and Conclusion:

A total of 11 patients (4 male and 7 female) underwent 18 interventions for 13 stenotic segments during a time period of 2 years. Eight stenotic segments were in brachiocephalic vein, three in subclavian vein, and two in axillary veins. The technical success rate for endovascular treatment was 81.8%. Two patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone and presented with restenosis later. Balloon angioplasty followed by stenting was done in seven patients, two of which required reintervention during follow-up. We found endovascular treatment safe and effective in treating central venous disease.

Balloon angioplasty for low-flow access

The common mechanism for low access flow is intimal hyperplasia leading to stenosis within the access circuit. Balloon angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, PTA) remains the mainstay of treatment despite multiple technologies introduced in the past. New technologies continue to be introduced in an effort to improve on outcomes of angioplasty. This article briefly reviews the use of and outcomes of PTA, technologies, past, present and future as well as some of the questions that remain unanswered with PTA.

Thrombotic complications in children from short-term percutaneous central venous catheters: what can we do?

The reported incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children has increased dramatically over the past decade, and the primary risk factor for VTE in neonates and infants is the presence of a central venous catheter (CVC). Although the associated morbidity and mortality are significant, very few trials have been conducted in children to guide clinicians in the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of CVC-related VTE. Furthermore, pediatric guidelines for prophylaxis and management of VTE are largely extrapolated from adult data. How then should the anesthesiologist approach central access in children of different ages to lessen the risk of CVC-related VTE or in children with prior thrombosis and vessel occlusion? A comprehensive review of the pediatric and adult literature is presented with the goal of assisting anesthesiologists with point-of-care decision-making regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of CVC-related VTE. Illustrative cases are also provided to highlight decision-making in varying situations. The only risk factor strongly associated with CVC-related VTE formation in children is the duration of the indwelling CVC. Several other factors show a trend toward altering the incidence of CVC-related VTE formation and may be under the control of the anesthesiologist placing and managing the catheter. In particular, because children with VTE may live decades with its sequelae and chronic vein thrombosis, careful consideration of lessening the risk of VTE is warranted in every child. Further studies are needed to form a clearer understanding of the risk factors, prophylaxis, and management of CVC-related VTE in children and to guide the anesthesiologist in lessening the risk of VTE.

Long Segment Recanalization and Dedicated Central venous Stenting in an Ultimate Attempt to Restore Vascular access Central Vein Outflow

Purpose

Maintaining vascular access in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis is a challenging process, especially in patients enduring multiple central line placements and in whom peripheral options have been exhausted.

Case

We present a case of a 60-year-old male without options for peripheral vascular access due to multiple failed arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Furthermore, bilateral subclavian, brachiocephalic veins and iliac veins were occluded or significantly obstructed. After long segment central vein recanalization, an upper arm loop arteriovenous graft was implanted. The recanalized segment was stented with a 12-mm dedicated venous nitinol stent.

Conclusion

Chronic central vein obstructions demand stents with both high radial force and flexibility. We recommend dedicated venous stents to improve technical success and reduce stent-related complications like early re-occlusion due to fracturing, kinking or straightening.

Subclavian vein angioplasty during arteriovenous fistula surgery: case report and literature review

Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 are generally treated by hemodialysis, preferentially performed via an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report the case of a 58-year-old male patient with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and end-stage renal disease in whom hemodialysis was conducted via a long-term catheter. His medical record described numerous central venous cannulations and several AVF creations. The patient developed subclinical subclavian stenosis that required creation of a new vascular access route. The purpose of this case report is to describe treatment of subclavian vein stenosis during AVF creation.

Long-term results of stent-graft placement to treat central venous stenosis and occlusion in hemodialysis patients with arteriovenous fistulas

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness of stent-grafts for the treatment of central venous disease in hemodialysis patients with functioning arteriovenous (AV) fistulas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2004 and March 2010, 42 VIABAHN stent-grafts were deployed in central veins of 30 patients (16 men, 14 women; mean age 60 y) with functioning AV fistulas and central venous disease that did not respond to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Eighteen patients had central vein stenosis and 12 had occlusion. Previous PTA and/or bare metal stent placement had been performed in 23 patients (77%). Surveillance was carried out at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months with diagnostic fistulography. The mean follow-up was 705 days (range, 66-1,645 d). Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Meier and log-rank studies.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%. Primary patency rates were 97%, 81%, 67%, and 45% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Primary assisted patency rates were 100%, 100%, 80%, and 75% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Patients without previous procedures had significantly shorter times to repeat intervention (P = .018) than those who had undergone PTA or bare metal stent placement previously. Patients with occlusive lesions had a significantly shorter primary patency interval (P = .05) than patients with stenoses. Occluded veins were more likely to require further stent-grafts (P = .02). Twelve patients required further stent-grafts to maintain patency. There was one minor complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent-graft placement to treat central venous disease in hemodialysis patients with autogenous AV fistulas is safe and effective if PTA fails to maintain luminal patency.

Revascularization of a central vein total occlusion via antegrade and retrograde approach in a patient with hemodialysis access

The occurrence of central vein total occlusion results in upper arm edema, pain, and hemodialysis access failure in uremic patient. Previous studies have proven the effectiveness of percutaneous balloon angioplasty for central vein total occlusion. Here, we report a rare case of successful revascularization of central vein total occlusion via antegrade and retrograde approach.

Use of a rosch-uchida needle for recanalization of refractory dialysis-related central vein occlusion

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with the use of a Rösch-Uchida needle technique to recanalize central vein occlusion that cannot be traversed with a guidewire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 33 recanalization procedures performed with a Rösch-Uchida needle on 20 men and 13 women with central vein occlusion during the period January 1999-December 2008. The occlusions were in the subclavian vein (n = 29) and the brachiocephalic vein (n = 4). A 9- or 10-French Rösch-Uchida introducer sheath was advanced centrally to abut the occlusion. The Rösch-Uchida needle was directed and advanced toward a transfemoral angiographic catheter placed on the central side of the occlusion. After passage of a guidewire through the occlusion, balloon angioplasty and stent insertion were performed. The outcome measures evaluated were technical success rate, primary and secondary patency, and complication rate.

RESULTS

The mean occlusion length was 1.73 +/- 0.8 cm. The rate of technical success of recanalization was 93.9% (31 of 33 procedures). The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary patency rates were 43.6%, 24%, and 8%, and the 3-, 6-, and 12-month secondary patency rates were 77.4%, 68.8% and 55.9%. One patient reported shoulder pain lasting 2 weeks, which resolved with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Use of a Rösch-Uchida needle to recanalize central vein occlusion refractory to a traditional procedure is feasible and safe and can preserve the involved extremity for long-term hemodialysis.