The management of dialysis access thrombosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining patent access is essential for haemodialysis dependent end stage renal failure patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected surgical and interventional radiology services worldwide. We aimed to review the impact COVID-19 has caused to the management of acute dialysis access thrombosis. METHODS: We conducted a single centre retrospective review of outcomes of patients with arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft thrombosis between March and May 2020, which coincided with the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in London, and a similar period in the previous year, March-May 2019. Outcomes in both cohorts of patients were compared, including attempts at salvage, salvage success, 1-month patency rates after salvage and subsequent surgery on the same access. We also analysed the use of tunnelled haemodialysis lines (THL), either due to failed salvage attempts or when salvage was not attempted. RESULTS: There was a similar incidence of access thrombosis in both periods (26 cases in 2019, 38 in 2020). There were 601 patients dialysing via an arteriovenous fistula or graft in 2019, and 568 patients in 2020. Access salvage, when attempted, had similar success rates and 1-month patency (salvage success 74% vs 80%, p = 0.39; 1-month patency 55% vs 62%, p = 0.69). The proportion of patients where access salvage was not attempted and a THL inserted was significantly higher in 2020 compared to 2019 (32% vs 4%, p = 0.007). There were more patients who subsequently had surgery to salvage or revise the same access in 2019 compared to 2020 (62% vs 13%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were fewer attempts at access salvage. This was a conscious decision due to increased pressure on the healthcare system, access to emergency interventional radiology or operative theatres and the perceived risk/benefit ratio of access salvage. The long-term effects of this change in practice remain unknown.

Adapting a Dialysis Service for Delivery of Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistulas.

The percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) is an exciting and novel addition to the vascular access options available to patients with end-stage kidney disease who require dialysis. Early clinical results have been promising, with high rates of maturation and low rates of reintervention. To successfully adapt an existing hemodialysis service to include the provision of pAVF formation, it is essential to identify and align the interests of key clinical and nonclinical stakeholders. Only through strong collaboration can the service be supported. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the planning fundamentals required, including the referral pathway, screening and clinical assessment, and practical procedural elements and considerations, as well as follow-up requirements such as cannulation, fistula surveillance, and maintenance. Key staffing requirements are highlighted, including those pertaining to vascular US screening and dialysis nurse training. A broad and structured planning approach ensures that the entire network of key stakeholder interests is included and provides a strong foundation for a compelling business plan to attract the necessary funding and managerial support for the service. The authors present a systematic framework of the essential considerations necessary to facilitate the planning, funding, and ultimately delivery of a successful pAVF service. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.

Improving the practice of inferior vena cava filter retrieval: a quality improvement intervention and audit outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval practice at our institution, the Royal London Hospital, and measure changes following a quality improvement intervention. IVC filters are a preventive treatment for pulmonary embolism when anticoagulation is ineffective/contraindicated. Unless permanent filtration is required, all filters should undergo attempted retrieval within manufacturer's recommendations with a success rate of ≥80 %. METHODS: Retrospective audit of filters inserted between 2011 and 2014, followed by a quality improvement intervention and a second audit between 2015 and 2017. Clinical-radiological data were analysed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System and electronic patient records. RESULTS: During the first audit, filter retrieval was attempted in 92% of cases, of which 82% underwent the procedure within manufacturer's recommendations and 86% were successful. During the second audit, an improvement across indicators was seen. Retrieval increased by 3% and was attempted in 95% of cases (92% of which were within manufacturer's guidelines). Rate of retrievals within manufacturer's guidelines increased by 10%. Filter retrieval success rate increased by 11% - to 97%. CONCLUSIONS: IVC filter retrieval practice at a single institution can be improved by implementing a simple audit intervention. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Filter retrieval practice has clinical and medicolegal implications. A simple quality intervention can substantially improve overall practice.

Broken Wings: First Reported Cases of Fractured Angel® Catheters, a Temporary Combined Femoral Venous Catheter and Retrievable IVC Filter Device.

There has been increasing use of a novel combined femoral venous sheath, catheter and retrievable self-expanding and collapsible diamond-shaped IVC filter (Angel® Catheter, BiO2 Medical), in severely injured patients who cannot receive anticoagulation. As the filter is not detached from the catheter/sheath, it should be easily retrieved. Outcomes included in large registries demonstrate a high safety profile and a 100% retrieval rate. However, at our institution-a Level 1 major UK trauma centre with 4 years of substantial experience in using this device-we've encountered three cases of device fracture and subsequent complicated retrieval dating from Dec 2016 to March 2017. To the best of the authors' knowledge, we describe the first documented case series of fractured Angel® Catheters and their retrieval.

Musculoskeletal complications of haematological disease.

Rheumatological manifestations complicate many benign and malignant blood disorders. Significant advances in haematology, with improved diagnostic techniques and newer musculoskeletal imaging, have occurred in the past two decades. This review focuses on the interrelationship between the major haematological diseases (haemochromatosis, haemophilia, sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, leukaemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, multiple myeloma and cryoglobulinaemia) and rheumatic manifestations.