Treatment of inferior vena cava obstruction in hemodialysis patients using Wallstents: early and intermediate results.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Wallstents in treating inferior vena cava obstruction in hemodialysis patients. CONCLUSION: For the short and intermediate term, percutaneous placement of inferior vena cava Wallstents, followed by balloon angioplasty, is a safe and valuable technique for preserving the often limited central venous access in hemodialysis patients. To maintain patency, recurrent stenosis within the Wallstent can be treated with additional angioplasty.