Percutaneous fibrin sleeve stripping of failing haemodialysis catheters

The fibroblastic sleeve, the neglected complication of venous access devices: A narrative review

The presence of a vascular access device (or of any intravascular foreign body) inside the bloodstream is often associated with the formation of a connective tissue sleeve around the catheter (often named-erroneously-"fibrin sleeve"). Such sleeve is usually a physiological phenomenon with little or no clinical relevance, but its pathogenesis is still unclear, so that it is frequently confused with venous thrombosis; also, its relationship with other major catheter-related complications, such as venous thrombosis and bloodstream infection, is uncertain. This narrative review tries to convey in a systematic form the current knowledge about pathogenesis, incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of this phenomenon.

Salvage Insertion of Tunneled Central Venous Catheters in the Internal Jugular Vein after Accidental Catheter Removal

Purpose

Tunneled catheters are widely used for intermediate to long-term hemodialysis (HD) access, but are prone to several complications that can require catheter replacement. Replacing malfunctioning catheters with a new line, placed in a different access site, can lead to problems with multiple vein occlusions. This has led many nephrologists to continue using the same vein as long as possible by guidewire catheter exchanges, to preserve other veins for future use. We describe a guidewire exchange technique for the Ash-Split catheter in the internal jugular vein.

Methods

In three patients, the exchange was performed because of partial catheter removal, as evidenced by the outward dislocation of the Dacron cuff. In these patients, the guidewire was inserted through the catheter. In two additional patients, the catheter had been completely removed by accident: the replacement of the dislodged tunneled venous catheters was attempted 5 hr and 1 day after accidental removal. In these patients, the guidewire was inserted through the previous tunnel. After guidewire placement, a skin incision was made in the supraclavicular region. The metal guidewire was easily located inside the fibrous structure that had previously surrounded the catheter. The guidewire was then extracted from the subcutaneous tunnel and used to insert a new catheter safely and easily after creating a new tunnel. Patients were routinely given antibiotic prophylaxis (1 g of cefazolin) immediately before the procedure. A strict aseptic technique was used, including several sterile glove changes.

Results

No infections developed following this procedure, which has the potential for bacterial contamination. All procedures were successful. Only in one patient did we have to convert to a different catheter: it was not possible to replace the old Ash-Split catheter with the same dual-lumen catheter because of difficulties in inserting the peel away introducer-catheter complex. In this patient, rather than forcing it with larger dilators or trying to disrupt the fibrin sheath with balloon dilatation, a single lumen Tesio catheter was successfully placed. In both patients who completely lost the previous catheter, the guidewire was readily reinserted through the subcutaneous tunnel into the vein. Catheter function was excellent in all patients, with a test blood flow rate on the 1st catheter use >350 ml/min.

Conclusions

We described a new method for catheter exchange, which allows the easy insertion of a new catheter and the creation of a new and safer subcutaneous tunnel. In addition, we demonstrated that in cases of complete catheter removal, it is possible to reinsert a catheter in the same vein through a guidewire, even when reinsertion was attempted up to 1 day later.

Central Venous Catheter and the Hemodialysis Patient: A Difficult Symbiosis

In the last ten years, tunneled central venous catheters (pCVCs) have been increasingly utilized in chronic hemodialysis patients, sometimes in the place of fistulas. They have gained popularity for their unquestioned advantages, such as the possibility for immediate use. However, several problems have emerged following their diffusion. In this paper we review the main complications of pCVCs. Complications connected with insertion are generally due to an inaccurate approach to the vein. Ultrasonographic guidance has partially solved this problem and EC-ECG (endocavitary ECG) allows an accurate positioning of the tip. Infections, venous and/or pCVCs) thrombosis and dysfunctions are the most important catheter-related complications. Infections may occur with and without symptoms of systemic illness. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are essential for saving the catheter. The pathogenesis of infections and strategies for prevention are discussed. Thrombosis and stenosis are well known complications of subclavian and jugular catheterization. In uremic patients, for temporary use, we suggest using the femoral position. Protocols for application of thrombolytic agents in pCVCs are considered. Dysfunction, defined as the failure to maintain a blood flow of at least 250 ml/min, remains the Achilles’ heel of the system. Adequate look therapy and tip position are only two basic aspects. In conclusion, a pessimistic outlook on the matter could lead us to consider that the advantages of catheter use are far outweighed by the disadvantages. However, we cannot avoid using central venous catheters in our dialysis units and a great challenge awaits both physicians and manufactures in the coming years.

Fibrin sheaths in central venous port catheters: treatment with low-dose, single injection of urokinase on an outpatient basis

Purpose

Evaluation of the efficacy of single-shot, low-dose urokinase administration for the treatment of port catheter-associated fibrin sheaths.

Methods

Forty-six patients were retrospectively evaluated for 54 episodes of port catheter dysfunction. The presence of a fibrin sheath was detected by angiographic contrast examinations. On an outpatient basis, patients subsequently received thrombolysis consisting of a single injection of urokinase (15.000 IU in 1.5 mL normal saline) through the port system. A second attempt was made in cases of treatment failure. Patients were followed up for technical success, complications and long-term outcome.

Results

Port dysfunction occurred at a median of 117 days after implantation (range: 7–825 days). The technical success after first port dysfunction by thrombolysis was 87% (40/46); thereof, initial thrombolysis was effective in 78% (36/46). Nine patients (20%) received a second dose of urokinase after previous treatment failure. Follow-up was available for 26 of 40 patients after successful thrombolysis. In 8 of these, rethrombosis occurred after a median of 98 days (range: 21–354 days), whereby rethrombolysis was effective in 5 of 7 (63%) patients. The overall success of all thrombolyses performed was 70% (45/64). No procedure-related technical or clinical complications occurred. After first favorable thrombolysis, a Kaplan–Meier analysis yielded a 30-, 90- and 180-day probability of patency of 96%, 87% and 81%.

Conclusion

Thrombolytic therapy on an outpatient basis appears to be a safe and efficient. Three-month patency rates are comparable to more invasive treatment options, including catheter exchange over a guide wire and percutaneous fibrin sheath stripping.

A Novel Technique Using a Protection Filter During Fibrin Sheath Removal for Implanted Venous Access Device Dysfunction

With the increased use of implanted venous access devices (IVADs) for continuous long-term venous access, several techniques such as percutaneous endovascular fibrin sheath removal, have been described, to maintain catheter function. Most standard techniques do not capture the stripped fibrin sheath, which is subsequently released in the pulmonary circulation and may lead to symptomatic pulmonary embolism. The presented case describes an endovascular technique which includes stripping, capture, and removal of fibrin sheath using a novel filter device. A 64-year-old woman presented with IVAD dysfunction. Stripping was performed using a co-axial snare to the filter to capture the fibrin sheath. The captured fragment was subsequently removed for visual and pathological verification. No immediate complication was observed and the patient was discharged the day of the procedure.

Use of tissue plasminogen activator in catheters used for extracorporeal renal replacement therapy

Background

Intraluminal thrombosis of central venous catheters used for renal replacement therapy (RRT) decreases the ability to provide adequate treatment. Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator that has been used to improve the function of catheters used for RRT in humans.

Objectives

To retrospectively review alteplase instillation in dysfunctional catheters used for RRT in dogs and cats.

Animals

Seventeen dogs and 8 cats receiving RRT for kidney failure.

Methods

Medical records of patients in which alteplase was used for RRT catheter dysfunction from 2004 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed to characterize reasons for use, improvement in function, increase in blood flow, and duration of improvement.

Results

Alteplase was instilled 43 times in 29 catheters, most commonly because of suspicion that the catheter would not provide sufficient flow on the next treatment (n = 21). The second most common reason was inability to start a dialysis treatment (n = 12). Catheter function improved after alteplase instillation in 34 of 43 treatments (79%). Median blood flow rate increased by 13% (18 mL/min) in the dialysis session after alteplase instillation. Seven of 29 catheters (24%) were treated with alteplase on >1 occasion (median time to second treatment, 8 days), and 1 catheter had to be replaced because of intractable dysfunction.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Alteplase is effective at improving function of central venous catheters used to provide RRT, but the results are short‐lived.

Vascular access in therapeutic apheresis: update 2013

This review addresses the types of vascular access available for patients who need therapeutic apheresis (TA). As in hemodialysis, vascular access for TA is chosen based on type of procedure prescribed, the patient's vascular anatomy, the acuity, frequency and duration of treatment, and the underlying disease state. The types of access available include peripheral vein cannulation, central venous catheters: including nontunneled and tunneled catheters, arterio-venous grafts and arterio-venous fistulas. Peripheral veins and central venous catheters are most frequently utilized for the acute administration of TA, and may be used over a period of weeks to months. Arterio-venous grafts and fistulas are not commonly used in TA procedures, but are an option in patients with an anticipated long course of TA, usually for a period of several months or years. The types and frequency of complications associated with various types of vascular access, including: access dysfunction and infections are reviewed, and strategies for their prevention and management are offered.

Fibrin sheath and its relation to subsequent events after tunneled dialysis catheter exchange

The use of tunneled catheters (TDC) for chronic hemodialysis is frequent and often fails due to fibrin or thrombus and infection. We hypothesized that the presence of fibrin sheath in TDC increases the risk for subsequent catheter malfunction and infection. We did a retrospective review of TDC exchanges and de novo placements from January 2005 to September 2011. Demographic data, information about the catheter procedure, and radiological data were collected. Final outcome analysis included 168 procedure events. Three groups of catheter procedures were identified: catheter exchange without a fibrin sheath (CE), catheter exchange with a treated fibrin sheath (CEF), and de novo catheter placements (DCP). Fibrin sheath incidence was 47%. In the CEF group, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of subsequent infections or dysfunctions (7% and 60%, respectively), when compared with the CE group (9% and 43%, respectively), (p=0.3). Mean time to subsequent dysfunction or infection was similar for CEF and CE (135 vs. 136 days, p-value, 0.98). Fibrin sheaths are common and should be evaluated when performing TDC exchange. If the fibrin sheath is treated, there is no increased incidence in subsequent catheter dysfunction or infection compared with patients without a fibrin sheath.

Dialysis catheter fibrin sheath stripping: a useful technique after failed catheter exchange

Fibrin sheath formation around long-term haemodialysis catheter is a common cause of failed dialysis access. Treatment options include pharmacological and mechanical methods. This paper reports a case of failed dialysis access due to fibrin sheath encasement. Pharmacologic thrombolysis, mechanical disruption using guide wire and catheter exchange had failed to address the issue. Eventually, fibrin sheath stripping using the loop snare technique was able to successfully restore the catheter function.

Endovascular Treatment of Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Catheters

Hemodialysis-catheter dysfunction is a common clinical condition in nephrology. Like other central venous devices, hemodialysis-catheters show a disposition for partial or complete thrombotic obstruction and fibrin sleeve formation. Thrombolytic infusion is recommended as therapy of first choice. Alternative interventional strategies include over-the-wire catheter exchange, mechanical fibrin sleeve stripping with a snare and angioplastic sleeve disruption. Those approaches show extremely variable results with mediocre long-term patency rates. Therefore, catheter-avoiding strategies should be considered in detail and AV-fistula creation preferred.

Maintaining patency of tunneled hemodialysis catheters--efficacy of aspirin compared to warfarin

OBJECTIVE

Tunneled hemodialysis catheters (caths) often fail as a result of luminal obstructive thrombus or formation of a fibrin sheath at the tip. Anecdotal and non-randomized studies have indicated that aspirin (A) and/or warfarin (W) can prolong cath patency. We examined the effect of chronic usage of either A or W on primary cath patency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional monitoring of cath patency was conducted over a 3-year period. Patients were grouped according to their long-term usage of either A (325 mg daily) or W. Patients on neither medication served as a control (C). The end point of the study occurred at cannulation of the patients' arteriovenous fistulae, when there was development of cath-related bacteremia or when there was inability to maintain a blood flow of 250 ml/min.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients with a mean age of 57 +/- 15 years completed the study. There were 21 patients in the A group, 11 in the W group and 31 in the C group. Cath survival was 91%, 73% and 29% at 120 days for the A, W and C groups, respectively (A vs C, p < 0.0001; W vs C, p < 0.0001; A vs W, p = NS). The mean durations of cath patency were 114 +/- 18, 111 +/- 17 and 68 +/- 37 days for the A, W and C groups, respectively (A vs C, p < 0.0001; W vs C, p < 0.0001; A vs W, p = NS). Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding complication rates were 24%, 18% and 0% for the A, W and C groups, respectively (A vs C, p = 0.02; W vs C, p = 0.02; A vs W, p = NS). The relative risk of GI bleeding associated with aspirin was 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-4.4, p = 0.7] but among elderly aspirin users it was 1.14 (CI 1.0-1.3, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Both aspirin and warfarin are equally effective at prolonging cath patency but their routine use for failing caths cannot be unequivocally recommended because of the increased risk of GI bleeding. Further prospective and randomized studies are called for.

A longitudinal study of the repeated use of alteplase as therapy for tunneled hemodialysis catheter dysfunction

When hemodialysis catheters allow only poor or no blood flow, it has become established practice in many centers to instill a thrombolytic agent in an attempt to clear the catheter. The catheter survival advantage gained by repeated use of such treatment is not known. In a prospective study, we analyzed all uses of alteplase in the setting of inadequate catheter blood flow in a cohort of 570 catheters over a 2(1/2)-year period. The time from alteplase instillation to the next episode in which it was required or catheter removal for nonfunction or thrombosis was recorded. Survival analysis was used to estimate the additional catheter survival afforded by each treatment. After censoring for elective catheter removal, the overall catheter half-life was 10.2 months. Catheter malfunction or thrombosis was the most common indication for catheter removal (36.3% of all catheters removed). Alteplase instillation was necessary in 2.77% of dialysis sessions. The median time from the first to second treatment or catheter removal for nonfunction or thrombosis was 27 days (95% confidence interval, 15.7 to 32.3). Additional median survival advantage gained from each subsequent treatment ranged from 10 to 18 days. Treatment of recurrent catheter malfunction with alteplase allows for a median of only five to seven additional dialysis sessions before the treatment must be repeated or the catheter must be exchanged. Although associated with minimal disruption to the dialysis schedule, the ultimate clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of such treatment is doubtful.

Fibrin sheath stripping versus catheter exchange for the treatment of failed tunneled hemodialysis catheters: randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of two treatments for tunneled hemodialysis catheter malfunction: percutaneous fibrin sheath stripping (PFSS) and over-the-wire catheter exchange (EX).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult patients with poorly functioning tunneled hemodialysis catheters (flow rates < 200 mL/min) were randomly assigned to receive either PFSS or EX. Over the course of 20 months, 30 patients (37 encounters) referred to a single institution met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate. PFSS employed transcatheter snares via femoral vein puncture, whereas EX was performed over a guide wire with use of fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were followed up to determine the duration of continued adequate hemodialysis via manipulated catheters for up to 4 months (primary outcome measure).

RESULTS

Overall technical success rate was 97%. Mean catheter patency for the PFSS group was 24.5 +/- 29.3 days, and 52.2 +/- 43 days for the EX group (P < .0001). After EX, patency rates at 1, 2, 3, and 4 months were 71%, 33%, 27%, and 27%, compared to 31%, 16%, 7%, and 0% after PFSS (P = .04, logrank test). Exchanged catheters were significantly more likely to be patent for as long as 4 months (23% versus 0%; P < .05, chi2 test).

CONCLUSIONS

Malfunctioning tunneled hemodialysis catheters treated by means of EX are significantly more likely to remain patent for up to 4 months than are those treated by means of PFSS. According to the results of this trial, PFSS should not be performed as a routine therapy for catheter malfunction.

Temporary vascular access for extracorporeal therapies

Central venous catheters provide at the present time the basic and ideal method to perform acute extracorporeal blood purification. Rapid launch of extracorporeal therapy is indicated in two situations: first, renal conditions presenting as a recognized acute organic renal failure (ARF) and acute decompensation of end stage renal disease (ESRD) without permanent vascular access; second, non-renal conditions presenting as urgent clinical situations requiring isolated ultrafiltration for chronic congestive heart failure, plasmapheresis or selective immunoadsorption for immune diseases, cytapheresis for hematological disease, and selective detoxification for certain types of poisoning. Central venous catheters are classified into 2 categories according to the duration of use: temporary catheter (less than 90 days) and permanent catheter (more than 90 days). A temporary catheter, including rigid (polyethylene, teflon) and semirigid (polyurethane) material, is indicated in emergency situations and for short-term use. A permanent catheter, made usually of soft silicone rubber with a subcutaneous anchoring system, has a subcutaneous tunnel and is indicated in medium and long-term use. Catheter design has benefited greatly from technical advances and material hemocompatability. However, catheter-related morbidity still remains high and is associated with an unacceptable incidence rate of infection and/or vein thrombosis. This article covers our present knowledge regarding catheter indications, technical aspects of catheter insertion and care, functional limitation of central venous catheters, and catheter-related complications. It is also our intent to provide the reader with optimal indication and catheter care in order to prevent and reduce the burden of catheter-related morbidity.

Hemodialysis catheter placement and management

Hemodialysis catheters are an integral part of the delivery of hemodialysis. While catheters play an important role in the patient undergoing hemodialysis, catheters should be considered a bridge to more permanent forms of dialysis access in most patients. Recent advances in catheter technology, access techniques, and choice of access sites have improved outcomes associated with hemodialysis catheters. The placement and management of hemodialysis catheters by interventional radiologists have played an important role in these advances, and interventional radiologists are taking an increasingly active role in the research and development of catheters and catheter insertion techniques. The present status of hemodialysis catheters is reviewed.