Central venous stenosis as a complication of ipsilateral haemodialysis fistula and pacemaker

Brief overview of surgical aspect of autologous arterio-venous fistula for dialysis access

Patients with the end-stage renal disease require renal replacement therapy in renal transplant, peritoneal dialysis, and intermittent hemodialysis. Hemodialysis remains the primary modality for renal replacement therapy. Excellent vascular access is a mainstay for performing hemodialysis. Here we present a brief review of the various surgical aspects of AV fistula creation. Preoperative physical examination and judicious use of the imaging modalities to define the artery and venous mapping provide a good outcome of the fistula formation. Surgical creation of RC-AVF is preferred for the end-stage renal disease patient. The end-to-side anastomosis between the radial artery and cephalic vein has shown very good results.

Pulsatile tinnitus as a presenting symptom of central venous stenosis secondary to an ipsilateral upper arm arteriovenous PTFE graft

A 51-year-old man presented with a swollen left arm and unilateral pulsatile tinnitus 2 weeks after a left upper arm polytetrafluoroethylene graft was created for haemodialysis access. A fistulogram of the left upper arm showed a central venous stenosis and significant retrograde flow up the left internal jugular vein. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was attempted unsuccessfully and fistula ligation was subsequently performed. This led to immediate resolution of the tinnitus. The venous stenosis was likely secondary to a cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator, which had been removed 1 year previously. Central venous stenosis is a common but often asymptomatic complication of a cardiac device, with the exception of patients with upper extremity arteriovenous fistulas, who frequently develop symptomatic venous hypertension. This generally presents with ipsilateral arm swelling and/or high venous pressures during dialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pulsatile tinnitus arising in this context.

Central Venous Stenosis after Hemodialysis: Case Reports and Relationships to Catheters and Cardiac Implantable Devices

The appropriate vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is undefined. We describe two cases of end-stage renal disease patients with CIED and tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) who developed venous cava stenosis: (1) a 70-year-old man with sinus node disease and pacemaker in 2013, CVC, and a Brescia-Cimino forearm fistula in 2015; (2) a 75-year-old woman with previous ventricular arrhythmia with implanted defibrillator in 2014 and CVC in 2016. In either case, after about 1 year from CVC insertion, patients developed superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to stenosis diagnosed by axial computerized tomography. In case 1, the patient was not treated by angioplasty of SVC and removed CVC with partial resolving of symptoms. In case 2, a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with placement of a new CVC was required. To analyze these reports in the context of available literature, we systematically reviewed studies that have analyzed the presence of central venous stenosis associated with the simultaneous presence of CIED and CVC. Five studies were found; two indicated an increased incidence of central venous stenosis, while three did not find any association. While more studies are definitely needed, we suggest that these patients may benefit from epicardial cardiac devices and the insertion of devices directly into the ventriculus. If the new devices are unavailable or contraindicated, peritoneal dialysis or intensive conservative treatment in older patients may be proposed as alternative options.

Placement issues of hemodialysis catheters with pre-existing central lines and catheters

OBJECTIVE

It has been a widely accepted practice that a previous placed pacemaker, automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or central line can be a contraindication to placing a hemodialysis catheter in the ipsilateral jugular vein. Fear of dislodging pacing wires, tunneling close to the battery site or causing venous obstruction has been a concern for surgeons and interventionalists alike. We suggest that this phobia may be unfounded.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients in whom hemodialysis catheters were placed over a period of 10 years. For each hemodialysis catheter that was placed, perioperative chest X-ray performed was used to evaluate for pre-existing pacemakers and central lines. The position and laterality of placement of the hemodialysis catheter along with presence of arteriovenous fistula with functional capacity for access were noted.

RESULTS

A total of 600 hemodialysis catheters were placed in patients over the period of 10 years. The mean age of the patients was 73.6 ± 12 years with a median age of 76 years. We found 20 pacemakers or automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators and 19 central lines on the same side of the neck as the hemodialysis catheter that was placed in the ipsilateral jugular vein. No patient exhibited malfunction or dislodgment of the central line, the pacemaker, or automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator or evidence of upper extremity venous obstruction based upon signs symptoms or duplex exams.

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience, we suggest that placement of hemodialysis catheter in the internal jugular vein ipsilateral to the pre-existing catheter/leads is safe and spares the contralateral limb for arteriovenous fistula creation.

Intraoperative venoplasty to facilitate placement of tunneled catheters for hemodialysis

Objective With the implementation of the K-DOQI guidelines, more patients are in need of long-term dialysis catheters until maturation of the arteriovenous fistula. However, on occasion, when placing a tunneled cuffed catheter for hemodialysis, we have encountered difficulty with passing the guidewire in spite of demonstration of a patent cervical portion of the internal jugular vein on duplex. Herein, we review our experience with intraoperative venoplasty for placement of Tesio™ catheters (Medcomp Harleysville, PA). Methods Of the 1147 Tesio™ catheters placed since 1997 by our service, 35 venograms were performed due to difficulty encountered with placement of the guidewire. Patent veins were all crossed with the use of angle-guiding catheters, angled glidewires, and a torque vise. If chronically occluded intrathoracic veins were identified, an alternate site was selected for the placement of the Tesio™ catheter. Results Of the 35 cases with difficulty in catheter placement, venogram demonstrated a patent but tortuous vein in 9, chronically occluded intrathoracic veins in 6, and severe stenosis of the intrathoracic veins in 20. In 19 cases with severe stenosis of the intrathoracic veins, balloon angioplasty with an 8-mm balloon was successfully performed, which allowed successful placement of a functional Tesio™ catheter. In the additional one case, the catheter was not able to be placed despite angioplasty. Seven lesions that underwent balloon angioplasty were in the innominate vein, 11 were in the proximal internal jugular vein, and two were in the superior vena cava. Conclusion Venous balloon angioplasty can be used to maintain options for the site of access for tunneled cuffed catheters and may be necessary to assist with placement of long term cuffed dialysis catheters.

Hemodialysis Tunneled Catheter Noninfectious Complications

Noninfectious hemodialysis catheter complications include catheter dysfunction, catheter-related thrombus, and central vein stenosis. The definitions, causes, and treatment strategies for catheter dysfunction are reviewed below. Catheter-related thrombus is a less common but serious complication of catheters, requiring catheter removal and systemic anticoagulation. In addition, the risk factors, clinical manifestation, and treatment options for central vein stenosis are outlined.

Concurrent Central Venous Stent and Central Venous Access Device Placement Does Not Compromise Stent Patency or Catheter Function in Patients with Malignant Central Venous Obstruction

PURPOSE

To determine if concurrent placement of a central venous stent (CVS) and central venous access device (CVAD) compromises stent patency or catheter function in patients with malignant central venous obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CVS placement for symptomatic stenosis resulting from malignant compression was performed in 33 consecutive patients who were identified retrospectively over a 10-year period; 28 (85%) patients had superior vena cava syndrome, and 5 (15%) had arm swelling. Of patients, 11 (33%) underwent concurrent CVS and CVAD placement, exchange, or repositioning; 22 (67%) underwent CVS deployment alone and served as the control group. Types of CVADs ranged from 5-F to 9.5-F catheters. Endpoints were CVS patency as determined by clinical symptoms or CT and CVAD function, which was determined by clinical performance.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful. There was no difference between the 2 groups in clinically symptomatic CVS occlusion (P = .2) or asymptomatic in-stent stenosis detected on CT (P = .5). None of the patients in the CVS and CVAD group had recurrent clinical symptoms, but 3 (30%) of 10 patients with imaging follow-up had asymptomatic in-stent stenosis. In the control group, 3 (14%) patients had clinically symptomatic CVS occlusion and required stent revision, whereas 4 (21%) of 19 patients with imaging follow-up had asymptomatic in-stent stenosis. During the study, 2 (20%) functional but radiographically malpositioned catheters were identified (0.66 per 1,000 catheter days).

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of a CVAD through a CVS may not compromise stent patency or catheter function compared with CVS placement alone.

Hemodialysis Tunneled Catheter Noninfectious Complications

Noninfectious hemodialysis catheter complications include catheter dysfunction, catheter-related thrombus, and central vein stenosis. The definitions, causes, and treatment strategies for catheter dysfunction are reviewed below. Catheter-related thrombus is a less common but serious complication of catheters, requiring catheter removal and systemic anticoagulation. In addition, the risk factors, clinical manifestation, and treatment options for central vein stenosis are outlined.

Liver transplantation in transthyretin amyloidosis: Characteristics and management related to kidney disease

Orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) was implemented as the inaugural disease-modifying therapy for hereditary transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis, a systemic amyloidosis mainly affecting the peripheral nervous system and heart. The first approach to pharmacologic therapy was focused on the stabilization of the TTR tetramer; following that new advent LT was assumed as the second step of treatment, for those patients whose neuropathy becomes worse after a course of pharmacologic therapy. The renal disease has been ignored in hereditary ATTR amyloidosis. The low level of proteinuria or slight renal impairment does not suppose such a heavy glomerular and vascular amyloid deposition. Moreover, severity of renal deposits does not consistently parallel that of myelinated nerve fiber loss. These are pitfalls that limit the success of LT and suggest troublesome criteria for pharmacological therapy or LT. An algorithm of evaluation concerning renal disease and treatment options is presented and some bridges-to-decision are exposed. In stage 4 or 5 kidney disease, the approach remains to deliver combined or sequential liver-kidney transplantation in eligible patients. However, in the majority, hemodialysis is the only option even in the presence of a well-functioning liver graft. In this review, we highlight useful information to aid the transplant hepatologist in the clinical practice.

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in hemodialysis patients: prevalence and implications for arteriovenous hemodialysis access interventions

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are frequently utilized in hemodialysis patients. CIED leads are typically implanted via the subclavian vein resulting in stenosis and venous hypertension. We studied 1235 chronic hemodialysis patients under the care of our nephrology practice. For each, we determined the presence of a CIED, indication for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and type of hemodialysis access. Records were reviewed to identify all interventions performed on the access circuit and the central veins specifically. A CIED was present in 129 patients (10.5%), including ICDs in 75 (6.1%) and pacemakers in 54 (4.4%). The access circuit intervention rate was 1.48/access year (AY) and was similar when a CIED was ipsilateral (1.53/AY) or contralateral (1.44/AY) to arteriovenous access (p = 0.477). The rate of central venous interventions was greater in the ipsilateral (0.59/AY) versus contralateral group (0.28/AY), (p < 0.001). Fifty-four of 59 patients with ipsilateral access and CIED required <2 interventions per AY, but six failed angioplasty and required access ligation. None had superior vena cava stenosis requiring intervention. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of CIEDs in our HD patients. Ipsilateral CIED and arteriovenous access results in higher central venous intervention rates compared with contralateral cases; overall access circuit intervention rates are similar.

Bilateral central vein stenosis in a dialysis patient with a pacemaker

Central vein stenosis is not uncommon in hemodialysis-dependent patients as a result of mechanical damage to the vessel walls from prior cannulation. It can cause ipsilateral upper limb swelling and pain, resulting in suboptimal hemodialysis. It is unfortunate for bilateral central vein stenosis to develop concomitantly, and rare in the setting of an in-situ pacemaker. This case illustrates the successful ligation of a nondependent left arteriovenous fistula and stenting of the right subclavian vein with functioning ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula, to overcome the problem of symptomatic bilateral upper limb swelling.

Percutaneous Transvenous Angioplasty of Left Innominate Vein Stenosis Following Right Side Permanent Pacemaker Implantation- A Left Femoral Vein to Left Axillary Vein Approach

Central venous stenosis after the insertion of a permanent pacemaker is a well recognized complication. This late complication is encountered when there is a need to change the pacemaker lead or extract it. We describe a young male who had such a complication after many years after right side pacemaker implantation. The lesion was managed percutaneously leading to placement of a new lead from the left side.

An unusual cause of venous hypertension after dialysis access creation

Venous hypertension after creation of arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous shunt occurs in approximately 10-15% of patients (Kojecky et al., Biomed Papers, 2002;146:77-79; Criado et al., Ann Vasc Surg 1994;8:530-535). Its etiology is commonly stenosis and/or thrombosis of the central venous system secondary to previous catheterization with subsequent development of venous hypertension after the arteriovenous connection is made. Treatment strategies often involve venography to determine the site of venous stenosis and/or occlusion centrally and subsequent endovascular recanalization of the stenotic or occluded veins. In this article, we report a case of venous hypertension in a 76-year-old man who presented with a swollen arm after placement of an arteriovenous fistula. In this circumstance, venography revealed extrinsic compression of the subclavian vein at the level of the first rib, the anatomic abnormality seen in venous thoracic outlet syndrome. In this report, we describe surgical and endovascular management of this patient, and review the literature on the causes of central vein stenosis discovered after creation of dialysis access.

Limited venous access and pacemaker insertion in a haemodialysis patient: case report

The population of haemodialysis patients is increasing as is their age. There is a higher risk of cardiac comorbidities in these patients. Pacing is increasingly common in this group. We present a case highlighting the difficult issues and exemplifies the need for careful planning preprocedure. Haemodialysis patients often have difficult and limited vascular access. Insertion of pacing leads is associated with subclavian vein stenosis. If this is on the side of an AV fistula there is significant risk of losing the fistula with obvious consequences to the patient. Careful consideration of site and route of access needs to be made prior to pacing. The need for involvement of renal and vascular teams before starting the procedure is essential as it is paramount that the best route of access for pacing wires is selected.

Massive arm edema following arteriovenous dialysis shunt creation in a patient with ipsilateral permanent pacemaker

Asymptomatic subclavian vein occlusion following insertion of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is not uncommon. We report a case of a dual-chamber PPM in a patient with an unrecognized left subclavian vein occlusion who developed massive left arm edema following ipsilateral implantation of an arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis graft. We recommend that patients with pre-existing PPM or ICD leads who are in need of vascular access for hemodialysis should have the AV shunts placed in the contralateral arm. If this is unavoidable, then preoperative subclavian vein screening for patency should be mandatory, even in asymptomatic patients. Sonography is an appropriate initial test in such a situation.