Dialysis Catheter Insertion with Extended Ultrasound Monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Dialysis catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed when there is necessity of urgent renal replacement therapy initiation. Due to limited access, higher costs, and long waiting times for fluoroscopy, alternative visualization methods are introduced into clinical practice. One of the most promising is transthoracic echocardiographic monitoring of guide-wire introduction. OBJECTIVE: The feasibility of the technique was verified by nephrologists inserting dialysis catheters. METHODS: A single center prospective trial was performed (NCT03727581). Introduction of guide-wire was monitored with ultrasound to confirm correct position of the wire in the inferior vena cava (IVC) or right atrium (RA). The study group included 30 patients, 19 males and 11 females, 25-83 years old. RESULTS: It was possible to obtain a good picture of IVC in the majority of patients. In 20 (66.7%) cases, IVC view was excellent; in 9 (30%) cases, was fair; and in 1 (3.3%) patient, we failed to visualize IVC. The guide-wire was identified in IVC in 12 (42.8%) patients, in another 9 (32.1%) patients guide-wire was visible in IVC after withdrawing and advancing it, and in RA in 6 (21.4%) patients. Catheters were successfully placed in 29 (96.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of the guide-wire confirms correct course of the procedure and increases the safety of catheter insertion without fluoroscopy.

The snuffbox fistula should be preferred over the wrist arteriovenous fistula.

OBJECTIVE: The snuffbox arteriovenous fistula (SBAVF) is the most distal native vascular access. Although published data show a favorable outcome, the SBAVF is not strongly recommended by the guidelines. The present study compared the patency of SBAVFs and wrist AVFs (WAVFs). METHODS: All 416 AVFs created by the same nephrologist from March 2006 to October 2014 were reviewed. From 416 procedures, 47 SBAVFs and 77 WAVFs with vessels suitable for a SBAVF were selected. RESULTS: Although vessel diameters used for construction of the SBAVFs were smaller than those used for WAVFs, the outcome of vascular access was similar. At 18 months, primary patency was 72% for SBAVF and 65% for WAVF (P = .48), and secondary patency was 93% for SBAVF and 94% for WAVF (P = .89). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a SBAVF performs as well as a WAVF up to 18 months after creation. We suggest favoring SBAVF, especially in young patients without comorbidities, as the primary vascular access.

External dilator-assisted banding for high-flow hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula.

Creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) may lead to left ventricle hypertrophy and predispose for development or worsening of heart failure. It was postulated to reduce access blood flow if exceeded 2 L/min or cardiac index was higher than 3.0 L/min/m(2). Numbers of techniques decreasing flow were described. The major disadvantage was the complexity of procedure and necessity of intraoperative flow measurement needed to establish desired flow. The technique of dilator-assisted banding with no endovascular catheterization is presented. After blunt dissection non absorbable thread was placed around vessel and tied over the dilator. Then the dilator was gently removed and blood flow was confirmed by palpation. We performed 12 banding procedures. Mean brachial blood flows were 3733.2 ± 826.2 mL/min preoperatively and 1461.2 ± 337.7 mL/min after surgery. Mean flow reduction was 2272.2 ± 726.9 mL/min. The external dilator-assisted banding is a feasible method for vascular access flow reduction without necessity of endovascular catheterization.

Use of Plastic Needles for Early Arteriovenous Fistula Cannulation.

BACKGROUND: The native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) needs maturation before it can be used. Needling done before time may result in haematoma formation, miscannulation or even access loss. METHODS: This retrospective study included 20 patients with AVFs punctured with fluoroplastic dialysis catheters within 30 days after access creation and 19 historical controls. RESULTS: The time to first puncture was 2-29 days for the study group and 1-26 days for the control group. The incidences of haematoma were 16.7 and 48 per 1,000 dialysis sessions for plastic and metal needles, respectively. Estimated primary functional fistula survival at 3, 6 and 12 months were 95, 90 and 74% for the study group and 79, 67 and 60% for the control group (p = 0.106), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of plastic needles enables safe AVF cannulation. If applied judiciously, it can minimize or even avoid catheter use.

The effect of type and vascular access quality on the outcome of chronic hemodialysis treatment.

The function of vascular access has a key significance in hemodialysis treatment results. An overview of factors contributing to successful arteriovenous fistula (AVF) constructions and the effect of vascular access quality on the outcome of renal replacement therapy were analyzed, including our study observations. On the basis of the data obtained in the study, the creation of autogenous AVF was reported to be possible in 92.9% of the 213 investigated patients. In 81.2% of the patients, vascular access was found to be located on the forearm. Comorbidities, especially congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease, were the main factors that had a negative effect on AVF construction and quality. AVF abnormalities were detected on physical examination in 37% of the patients. Results from the physical examination were found to be consistent with those obtained from Doppler ultrasound, thermodilution, and intra-access pressure measurement. AVF stenosis significantly increased the risk for access thrombosis, catheter insertion, and vascular access-related hospitalization.

Obesity is not an obstacle for successful autogenous arteriovenous fistula creation in haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, which is often associated with diabetes, is increasingly encountered in the haemodialysed population, and this may produce difficulty in autogenous arteriovenous fistula creation. Prosthetic angioaccess or catheters, when used in place of autogenous fistulas, increase thrombotic and infectious complications in these already challenged patients. METHODS: This prospective study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of autogenous arteriovenous fistula creation in 71 obese patients (BMI 34.6 +/- 7.8). We performed a two-stage procedure, in which radio-cephalic fistula formation was followed by subcutaneous transposition of the venous component for safe and easy puncture. RESULTS: Fistulas suitable for puncture, having blood flows of 799 +/- 285 ml/min, and sufficient to perform adequate haemodialysis (Kt/V 1.24) were achieved in 85% of the patients. Primary patency rates were 65% and 59% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and secondary patency rates were 83% both at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity does not prevent successful autogenous arteriovenous fistula formation, and may protect forearm venous vessels from the iatrogenic damage that occurs before the onset of haemodialysis therapy.

Arteriovenous fistula reconstruction in patients with kidney allograft failure.

BACKGROUND: Kidney recipients with failing allograft function face the vascular access problem again before returning to hemodialysis. An autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF), according to the recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines, is the optimal vascular access and the use of prosthetic grafts and catheters should be limited. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of AVF reconstruction in patients reentering hemodialysis after kidney allograft failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty-one transplant recipients reentered hemodialysis between 1990 and 2005. Before kidney transplantation, 221 patients had a functioning AVF on the forearm. Fistula reconstruction was attempted in 112 (51%) patients because of AVF thrombosis. Three strategies were applied according to forearm vein patency: a new radial-cephalic fistula, a radial-perforating vein fistula, or a radial-basilic forearm transposition was created. RESULTS: Forearm AVFs were successfully reconstructed in 85 of the 112 patients (73%). The primary patency of the reconstructed AVFs was 57.6% and 44% at 12 and 24 months. Secondary patency was 64.9% and 54.9% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of an old, thrombosed AVF is possible in kidney recipients returning to dialysis, even if the time from thrombosis to fistula repair is a few years.

Native forearm fistulas utilizing the basilic vein: an underused type of vascular access.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the solution of choice among diverse types of vascular access. The forearm basilic vein is rarely used for creating autogenous vascular access. Its use presents a valuable option when autogenous wrist radial-cephalic direct access cannot be created due to the destruction of forearm veins. Results obtained with autogenous wrist ulnar-basilic direct access and autogenous wrist radial-basilic transposition are presented below. METHODS: In the decade 1993-2003, native fistulas utilizing the forearm basilic vein were performed in 27 patients (14 women, 13 men). The basilic vein was anastomosed to the ulnar artery or was transposed and anastomosed to the radial artery. RESULTS: AVF creation was successful in 22 patients (81.5%). The primary patency rate was 70.4% after 1 year, 61.6% after 2 years and 48.4% after 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: AVFs utilizing the forearm basilic vein can be considered for primary or secondary vascular access because of the acceptable survival rate and low incidence of hand ischemia. Transposition of the basilic vein is a valuable option in the reconstruction of a thrombosed or stenosed radial-cephalic fistula.

Radial artery-perforating vein fistula for hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The proximal forearm antecubital fistula described by Gracz is a valuable option for autogenous vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with destroyed forearm veins or advanced arteriosclerotic and calcified radial arteries. Results obtained with a variant of the Gracz fistula are presented. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with forearm vein destruction or failed distal radiocephalic fistulas were selected to have a variant of the Gracz fistula created and were followed up for 36 months. In each patient, the radial artery was anastomosed side to end or end to end to the perforating vein. Additionally, in some patients, the median cephalic or basilic vein was relocated subcutaneously to increase the accessibility of veins for puncture. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the cubital region using a perforating vein were created in 77 patients (34 women, 43 men) referred to the Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, from 1992 to 2006. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS: Percentages of successful fistula creation and primary patency rates, defined from fistula placement to any maintaining intervention, and cumulative patency, defined from placement to fistula abandonment, were assessed. RESULTS: AVF creation was successful in 56 patients (73%). Primary patency rates during the follow-up period were 47% after 1 year, 43% after 2 years, and 39% after 3 years. Cumulative patency rates were 67% after 1 year, 56% after 2 years, and 53% after 3 years. LIMITATIONS: These results reflect performance of a single center and thus may not be generalizable to surgeons less experienced in this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Radial artery-perforating vein fistulas have an acceptable survival rate and do not produce circulatory complications. This method may be applicable for AVF creation in patients with forearm vein destruction/abnormalities and as a rescue procedure for an old clotted fistula after kidney transplant failure.

Over-catheter tract suture to prevent bleeding and air embolism after tunnelled catheter removal.

INTRODUCTION: Severe, life-threating, complications might occur on dialysis catheter removal. METHODS: We present a useful technique that may prevent vascular air embolism and severe bleeding. RESULTS: The suture is placed around the catheter and tied over previous tract just after device removal. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a compressing suture to the tract left after removal of a tunnelled haemodialysis catheter is a simple manoeuvre that could prevent severe complication.

Urgent hemodialysis with the use of peripheral veins to avoid catheter insertion.

Urgent hemodialysis (HD) in patients with uremia is usually performed using a central vein catheter unless an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) was created in the predialysis period. We present a unique approach, in a patient in whom the first two HD sessions were conducted without implantation of a catheter or AVF. The perfectly developed peripheral veins of a professional bodybuilder served as vascular access allowing catheter insertion to be avoided. The aim of this short case report is to recall a forgotten method for performing urgent HD in patients without a fistula, but with suitably enlarged superficial veins.

Vascular access should be tailored to the patient.

A cornerstone of hemodialysis treatment is the creation of a functional and durable dialysis vascular access. Every patient with chronic kidney disease should have a plan of renal replacement therapy and access site protection. Factors having a crucial impact on vascular access selection include age, comorbidity, vessel quality, prognosis, dialysis urgency, and surgeon's preferences. Our medical group have reviewed these factors in our patients and, based on recently published data, developed a clinical decision tree for dialysis access in the chronic kidney disease patient. Vascular access care should be patient-centered with the aim to maximize patient survival without loss of vascular access options; and not focused only the primary patency rates of dialysis access procedures.

The possibility of renal function recovery in chronic hemodialysis patients should not be overlooked: Single center experience.

Chronic hemodialysis is implemented when irreversible loss of kidney function occurs. Sometimes renal recovery is overlooked. From January 2005 to December 2014, we identified 28 patients hemodialyzed for more than 3 months who had renal replacement therapy discontinued. The group consisted of 17 (57.7%) males and 11 (42.3%) females. Patients were 18-87 years old. Time of hemodialysis ranged from 3 to 97 months. Of note, 14 (50%) patients were referred from local dialysis units for solution of vascular access problems. In 13 (46.2%) patients dialysis was abandoned within the first 6 months, in 5 (17.8%) patients between 6 and 12 months, and in 10 (35.7%) patients beyond 12 months. Estimated dialysis-free survival was 94.4% (SE 0.054) and 82% (SE 0.095) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. All physicians must be aware of possible kidney function improvement. In patients with preserved diuresis fall in periodical urea or creatinine measurements might be a sign of renal recovery.

Single-lumen tunneled catheter: An old but useful option.

We report a case of long-term uneventful catheter use in a patient with previous recurrent vascular access dysfunction and infection. A single-lumen tunneled catheter was inserted into the left internal jugular vein after a failed attempt of dual-lumen permanent catheter placement. The follow-up since device implantation has exceeded 5 years without any complications related to vascular access.

Use of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm to create an arteriovenous fistula.

The reconstruction of vascular access in patients with kidney allograft failure is a challenging problem. A case of a 62-year-old man with transplanted kidney insufficiency is described. The patient was initially dialyzed with a wrist radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistula. In the post-transplantation period, the enormously dilated venous part of the anastomosis was ligated and the part of the vein suspected of being the source of bacteremia was excised. The man was referred to our department due to kidney allograft failure for vascular access creation. During preoperative assessment, we unexpectedly found a soft thrill on the forearm. Doppler ultrasound confirmed fistula patency, although the blood supply was not sufficient to perform dialysis. Angiography showed the blood flow from the radial artery to the cephalic vein, through a complicated vessel system consisting of inter alia a dilated vein of the subcutaneous venous network. We successfully used this vein as the vascular access outflow for fistula recreation. In conclusion, making use of veins of the subcutaneous venous network of the forearm for creation of a native fistula should be considered in selected cases.

Anatomical vascular variations and practical implications for access creation on the upper limb.

BACKGROUND: A profound knowledge of vascular anatomy and an understanding of vascular access functionality with respect to possible complications are critical in selecting the site for arteriovenous anastomosis. METHODS: Outline of vasculature variations of the upper limb with prevalence reported in literature of at least 1%, which may affect access creation, is depicted in this review. RESULTS: Over a dozen arterial anatomical anomalies of the upper limb, the most common is "high origin" of the radial artery (12-20%). Superficial positions of brachial, ulnar and radial artery as well as accessory brachial are another possible anatomic variants (0.5-7%). The most variable venous layout on the upper arm is seen in the anatomy of the brachial vein and the basilic vein forming the axillary vein. Three types of basilic vein course on upper arm have been described. CONCLUSIONS: The mapping technique to assess vascular variants facilitate site selection for AVF creation even in cases with previously attempted failed access (misdiagnosed vascular variant could force to secondary options). Thus, a thorough understanding and evaluation of anatomy, taking into consideration the possible vascular variations of the forearm and upper arm, are necessary in the planning of AVF creation and increase the success of AVF procedures.

Creation of arteriovenous fistulae for hemodialysis in octogenarians.

Elderly patients, defined as octogenarians and nonagenarians, are an increasing population entering renal replacement therapy. Advanced age appears as an exclusive factor negatively influencing dialysis practice. Elderly patients are referred late for the initiation of hemodialysis and more likely are offered catheters rather than arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), which increase mortality and negatively affect quality of life. We present our approach to the creation of vascular access for hemodialysis in this demanding population. In 2006-2012, 39 patients aged 85.9 ± 2.05 with end-stage renal disease, mainly resulting from ischemic nephropathy, were admitted to the Department of Nephrology to establish permanent vascular access for hemodialysis: preferably AVF. Temporary dialysis catheters were implanted in uremic emergency to bridge the time to fistula creation/maturation. AVF was attempted in 87.2% of the patients. Primary AVF function was achieved in 54% of the patients. Cumulative proportional survival of AVF at months 12 and 24 was 81.5%. Ninety-four percent of AVF were localized on the forearm: 74% in the distal and 20% in the proximal part. Mean duration of hemodialysis therapy was 20.80 ± 19.45 months. The mean time of AVF use was 15.9 ± 20.2 months. Until present, 38% have been dialyzed using AVF for 31.0 ± 18.8 months. Five patients died with functioning fistula. Eight patients initiated hemodialysis therapy with fistula. During further observation, the use of AVF increased to 62%. Elderly patients should not be denied creation of AVF as a rule. The outcome of AVF benefits more from acknowledging individual vascular conditions rather than age of the patient.

Repair of damaged connectors of tunneled cuffed catheters with a two-piece adaptor for peritoneal dialysis.

PURPOSE: Although catheter use exposes the patient to several complications, tunneled cuffed catheters are widely applied for temporary or long-term vascular access. The aim of the study was to establish the rate of tunneled dialysis catheter damage and report our experience with breakage repair. METHODS: All 363 cuffed tunneled hemodialysis catheters inserted into 309 patients from May 2000 to December 2008 were followed up. When connector damage was encountered, repair with a two-piece adaptor for peritoneal dialysis was attempted. RESULTS: Mechanical breakage occurred in 33 (9.1%) of catheters with an incidence of 0.36/1000 catheter-days. The most frequent was connector damage, found in 25 cases (67.6%). Catheter repair using a peritoneal dialysis Luer adaptor was performed with good early and long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Tunneled catheter breakage is a relatively rare complication. Catheter repair using the adaptor for peritoneal dialysis is easy to perform, safe, and cost-effective.