Editor's Choice - Quality of Life after Stenting for Iliofemoral Venous Obstruction: A Randomised Controlled Trial with One Year Follow Up.

OBJECTIVE: Deep venous obstruction (DVO) is a great burden on the healthcare system and patients' quality of life (QoL). Case series show stenting is safe and effective, however most studies lack control groups and QoL changes have not been compared with conventional treatment. The aim was to assess the difference in QoL changes from baseline to 12 months between stent and conventionally treated patients with DVO. METHODS: Subjects > 18 years old with DVO due to post-thrombotic (PTS) or non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVLs) in a tertiary hospital were prospectively randomised to best medical therapy (BMT) or stent placement with BMT in a ratio 2:1, stratified for PTS or NIVL. The primary outcome was the between group difference in VEINES-QoL scores change from baseline to 12 months after treatment. Secondary outcomes included the difference in score changes for EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Villalta score. RESULTS: After three years, the inclusion rate dropped to almost zero, therefore the study had to be stopped. Sixty-three patients were randomised to either the stent (n = 42) or control group (n = 21). Overall, 50 patients had available data for primary outcome analysis. The adjusted mean difference between 12 month scores for VEINES-QoL and VEINES-Sym was 8.07 (95% CI 3.04 - 13.09) and 5.99 (95% CI 0.75 - 11.24) (p = .026), respectively, in favour of the stent group. The differences were significant, but a pre-defined meaningful 14 point improvement in QoL was not reached. The mean difference between 12 month scores for VCSS was -2.93 (95% CI -5.71 - 0.16, p = .040), -11.83 (95% CI -20.81 - 2.86, p = .011) for PDI, 0.015 (95% CI -0.12 - 0.15, p = .82) for the EQ-5D index, and -2.99 (95% CI -7.28 - 1.30, p = .17) for the Villalta score. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic patients with DVO who received dedicated venous stents had significantly higher VEINES-QoL/Sym scores at 12 months compared with the control group, but the between group difference was lower than the pre-specified clinically relevant QoL difference of at least 14 points. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03026049.

Multicenter Case Series and Literature Review on Durability of Stents in the Thoracic Outlet.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to report our experience with arterial and venous endovascular stent placement in the thoracic outlet (TO) and review available literature. METHODS: All patients that underwent arterial or venous stent placement in the TO between 2013 and 2020 in 5 Dutch vascular teaching-hospitals were retrospectively identified. Primary endpoint was symptomatic stent failure due to stenosis, chronic or posture dependent compression, fracture, or occlusion of the stent. Secondary endpoints were symptoms at last follow-up and re-interventions. For the literature review, we searched studies reporting on stenting in the TO. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included with 11 arterial and 15 venous stents implanted to treat angioplasty resistant stenosis in arterial or venous TO syndrome, iatrogenic or traumatic vascular injury, radiotherapy fibrosis, or arterial dissection. Median follow-up was 19 and 14 months in the arterial and venous-group, respectively. Eight (73%) patients in the arterial, and 9 (60%) in the venous-group suffered symptomatic stent failure. Seven (64%) patients in the arterial, and 9 (60%) in the venous-group required at least 1 re-intervention. When comparing all patients with stent placement after TO decompression (TOD) to patients without, there were substantially more symptomatic stent failures and re-interventions required in the patients without TOD. Six patients (54%) in the arterial-group and 11 (73%) in the venous-group were symptom-free at last follow-up. Five articles describing 51 patients with arterial and 6 articles describing 81 patients with venous stents were included in the literature review. In the arterial-group, no TOD prior to stent placement was performed, while in the venous-group all but 1 article performed TOD prior to stent placement. Results showed comparable rates of symptomatic stent failure (24% vs 30%), and patients requiring re-interventions (29% vs 21%) between groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our multicenter series and review, stents in the TO have a considerable risk of failure, both in the venous and the arterial territory. Especially in patients without TOD: the need for re-interventions is high and half the patients eventually undergo TOD. Based on the currently available data, stenting in the TO should be applied cautiously while TOD should be considered.

Development of a prediction model for deep vein thrombosis in a retrospective cohort of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: Early and accurate prediction and diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is essential to allow for immediate treatment and reduce potential complications. However, all potentially strong risk factors have not been included in pretest probability assessments such as the Wells score. In addition, the Wells score might not be suitable for use in primary care because it was developed for secondary care. We hypothesized that the addition of more risk factors for DVT to existing diagnostic approaches could improve the prediction of DVT. METHODS: All consecutive patients suspected of having DVT from 2004 to 2016 in a primary care setting were included in our retrospective study. All the patients had undergone Wells score, D-dimer, and duplex ultrasound assessments. The available recorded data of the patients were used to develop a model to predict DVT. RESULTS: Of 3381 eligible patients, 489 (14.5%) had confirmed DVT. The developed model, which included the D-dimer level, Wells score, gender, anticoagulation use, age, and family history of venous thrombosis, was able to distinguish patients with DVT among those with suspected DVT with a sensitivity of 82% (95% confidence interval, 78%-86%) and specificity of 82% (95% confidence interval, 80%-83%). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model was able to predict for the presence of DVT among all patients with suspected DVT in a primary care setting with reasonable accuracy. Further validation in prospective studies is required.

A risk score for iliofemoral patients with deep vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition with a high risk of post-thrombotic morbidity, especially in patients with a proximal thrombus. Successful iliofemoral clot removal has been shown to decrease the severity of post-thrombotic syndrome. It is assumed that earlier thrombus lysis is associated with a better outcome. Generally, the earlier IFDVT is confirmed, the earlier thrombus lysis could be performed. d-Dimer levels and Wells score are currently used to assess the preduplex probability for DVT; however, some studies indicate that the d-dimer value varies depending on the thrombus extent and localization. Using d-dimer and other risk factors might facilitate development of a model selecting those with an increased risk of IFDVT that might benefit from early referral for additional analysis and adjunctive iliofemoral thrombectomy. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients from a retrospective cohort of STAR diagnostic center (primary care) in Rotterdam suspected of having DVT between September 2004 and August 2016 were assessed for this retrospective study. The diagnostic workup for DVT including Wells score and d-dimer were performed as well as complete duplex ultrasound examination. Patients with objective evidence of DVT were categorized according to thrombus localization using the Lower Extremity Thrombolysis classification. Logistic regression analysis was done for a model predicting IFDVT. The cut-off value of the model was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 3381 patients were eligible for study recruitment, of whom 489 (14.5%) had confirmed DVT. We developed a multivariate model (sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 82%; area under the curve, 0.90; 0.86-0.93) based on d-dimer, Wells score, age, and anticoagulation use, which is able to distinguish IFDVT patients from all patients suspected of DVT. CONCLUSIONS: This multivariate model adequately distinguishes IFDVT among all suspected DVT patients. Practically, this model could give each patient a preduplex risk score, which could be used to prioritize suspected IFDVT patients for an immediate imaging test to confirm or exclude IFDVT. Further validation studies are needed to confirm potential of this prediction model for IFDVT.

Use of covered stent grafts as treatment of traumatic venous injury to the inferior vena cava and iliac veins: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Venous injury to the inferior vena cava or iliac veins is rare but can result in high mortality rates. Traditional treatment by repair or ligation can be technically demanding. A relatively new treatment modality is the use of a covered stent to cover the venous defect. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the techniques, results, and challenges of covered stent graft repair of traumatic injury to the inferior vena cava and iliac veins. METHODS: The PubMed (Medline) and Embase databases were systematically searched up to September 2020 by two of us (R.R.S. and D.D.) independently for studies reporting on covered stenting of the inferior vena cava or iliac veins after traumatic or iatrogenic injury. A methodologic quality assessment was performed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were extracted for the following parameters: first author, year of publication, study design, number of patients, type and diameter of the stent graft, hemostatic success, complications, mortality, postoperative medication, follow-up type and duration, and venous segment patency. The main outcome was clinical success of the intervention, defined as direct hemostasis, with control of hemorrhage, hemodynamic recovery, and absence of contrast extravasation. RESULTS: From the initial search, which yielded 1884 records, a total of 28 studies were identified for analysis. All reports consisted of case reports, except for one retrospective cohort study and one case series. A total of 35 patients had been treated with various covered stent grafts, predominantly thoracic or abdominal aortic endografts. In all patients, the treatment was technically successful. The 30-day mortality rate for the entire series was 2.9%. Three perioperative complications were described: one immediate stent occlusion, one partial thrombosis, and one pulmonary embolism. Additional in-stent thrombus formation was seen during follow-up in three patients, leading to one stent graft occlusion (asymptomatic). The postoperative anticoagulation strategy was highly heterogeneous. The median follow-up was 3 months (range, 0.1-84 months). However, follow-up with imaging studies was not performed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases of injury to the inferior vena cava and iliac veins, covered stent grafts can be successful for urgent hemostasis with good short-term results. Data on long-term follow-up are very limited.

Quality of anticoagulant therapy and the incidence of in-stent thrombosis after venous stenting.

BACKGROUND: In patients with a venous outflow obstruction following iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis stenting of the venous tract to prevent or alleviate postthrombotic syndrome is applied with increasing frequency. The impact of the quality of anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) on the development of in-stent thrombosis is currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between the quality of postinterventional VKA treatment and the occurrence of in-stent thrombosis. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with iliofemoral and/or caval venous stent placement for obstruction of the venous outflow were included in this study. All patients received postinterventional VKA. The quality of VKA anticoagulant therapy was expressed as the time within therapeutic range (TTR) calculated using the linear interpolation method and as the proportion of International Normalized Ratio (INR) values < 2.0. In-stent thrombosis was assessed by the use of duplex ultrasound. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression) was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In-stent thrombosis developed in 16 patients (20.3%). The total population had a mean TTR of 64.0% (±19.0) and a mean proportion of INR values < 2.0 of 11.6% (±12.0). Overall, a TTR < 49.9% was associated with an increased risk of in-stent thrombosis. The multivariable adjusted analysis showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.99; P = .02) per 1% increase in TTR. The proportion of INR values < 2.0 had no significant association with the occurrence of in-stent thrombosis: HR 0.98 (95% CI, 0.91-1.06; P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the quality of anticoagulant treatment reflected in the TTR following a venous stenting procedure is an important independent determinant for the risk of in-stent thrombosis. The role of anticoagulant treatment for the prevention of in-stent thrombosis following stenting procedures therefore merits further research.

Closed incisional negative pressure therapy may reduce surgical site infection rate following endophlebectomy with complementary polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous fistula of the common femoral vein.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical desobliteration or endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein during deep venous recanalization with complementary polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) arteriovenous fistula (AVF), may lead to higher rates of surgical site infection (SSI). It has been reported that closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (cINPT) may decrease SSI rates after different surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to determine the potential effect of cINPT on the SSI rate of femoral endophlebectomy with a complimentary PTFE AVF. METHODS: Patients with recanalization of the femoral-iliac veins and femoral endophlebectomy with a complementary PTFE AVF and postoperative cINPT were identified. SSI, patency, and complication rates were analyzed. RESULTS: This study included 65 patients with a mean age of 41 ± 14 years. The mean procedure time was 240 ± 11.9 minutes. Primary patency rate was 69.2% and secondary patency rate was 78.4%. SSI classified as Szilagyi I, II, and III occurred in 7.6% (n = 5), 3% (n = 2), and 7.6% (n = 5), respectively, with an overall SSI rate of 18.2%. Surgical wound revision with the application of a vacuum pump was required in 10.7% (n = 7). A multivariate analysis showed that the duration of the surgical procedure (P = .003) as well as lymphatic fistulas (P = .044) to have a significant impact on the SSI rate. CONCLUSIONS: Endophlebectomy with complementary PTFE AVF of the femoral vein is related to an increased rate of lymphatic leakage and SSI. Lymphatic fistula and the duration of surgery could be assessed as relevant influencing factors of SSI. Application of cINPT in this surgical setting may reduce the SSI rate. Despite this potential improvement, SSI rates still limit the clinical success of a deep venous recanalization.

Illusory Angiographic Signs of Significant Iliac Vein Compression in Healthy Volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: Iliac vein compression syndrome can cause severe leg symptoms. In clinical practice, it remains a challenge to differentiate which compression is clinically relevant. The aim of the current study was to assess the general treatment indications and the prevalence of angiographic signs of iliac vein compression in a group of healthy participants. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. A total of 20 healthy volunteers (median age 21, range 20-22 years) were recruited through advertisement and underwent angiography of the iliac veins. When no compression signs were present, a balloon occlusion was performed. Additionally, a 10 item survey regarding indications for venous stenting was developed and sent to 30 vascular specialists treating patients with deep venous obstruction. RESULTS: In 16 (80%) participants, at least two signs indicative of May-Thurner compression were seen. In three (15%) subjects, narrowing of the common iliac vein without collaterals was shown and one (5%) did not show any signs of obstruction. In 23 (70%) of the survey responders, collaterals were found to be the most typical sign indicative of significant venous obstruction. An angiographic sign of >50% compression was found to be an indication to stent in 55% of responders. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a remarkably high percentage of generally accepted signs of significant iliac vein obstruction (May-Thurner compression) on venography in healthy young subjects. Diagnosis of true iliac vein obstruction remains a major challenge, which mostly leans on improvement of clinical symptoms rather than imaging findings. Treating the patient rather than the image seems to be a valid principle all the more.

The Effect of Stenting on Venous Hypertension: Results Using a Treadmill Stress Test with Invasive Pressure Measurements in Patients with Iliofemoral Venous Obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to investigate whether stenting of post-thrombotic iliofemoral obstruction reduces venous hypertension. The secondary aim was to establish whether improvement in haemodynamic parameters impacts on quality of life. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 12 participants with unilateral post-thrombotic obstruction of the iliac and/or common femoral veins (CFVs) underwent a treadmill stress test with invasive pressure measurements in the CFVs and dorsal foot veins of both affected and non-affected limbs. This was performed the day before and 3 months after stenting the obstructed tract. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the treatment effect and univariable linear regression analysis to determine the association with improvement in quality of life. RESULTS: Before treatment, CFV pressure increased 34.8 ± 23.1 mmHg during walking in affected limbs compared with 3.9 ± 5.8 mmHg in non-affected limbs. This pressure rise decreased to 22.3 ± 24.8 mmHg after 3 months follow up compared with a 4.0 ± 6.0 mmHg increase in non-affected limbs (-26.2 mmHg difference; 95% CI -41.2 to -11.3). No such effect was found in the dorsal foot veins. The VEINES-QOL increased 25.3 ± 11.3 points after stenting and was significantly associated with a decrease in CFV pressure rise during walking (regression coefficient 0.4; 95% CI 0.1-0.6). CONCLUSION: Stenting of post-thrombotic iliofemoral obstruction significantly reduces venous hypertension in the common femoral vein and correlates with an improvement in the quality of life. Larger studies with a broader range of degree of obstruction need be performed to assess whether pre-stenting pressure measurements can predict post stenting clinical success.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Open Versus Laparoscopic Placement of a Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter and Outcomes: The CAPD I Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best operation technique, open versus laparoscopic, for insertion of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter with regard to clinical success. Clinical success was defined as an adequate function of the catheter 2 - 4 weeks after insertion. METHODS: All patients with end-stage renal disease who were suitable for PD and gave informed consent were randomized for either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. A previous laparotomy was not considered an exclusion criterion. Laparoscopic placement had the advantage of pre-peritoneal tunneling, the possibility for adhesiolysis, and placement of the catheter under direct vision. Catheter fixation techniques, omentopexy, or other adjunct procedures were not performed. Other measured parameters were in-hospital morbidity and mortality and post-operative infections. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2016, 95 patients were randomized to this study protocol. After exclusion of 5 patients for various reasons, 44 patients received an open procedure and 46 patients a laparoscopic procedure. Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, current hemodialysis, severe heart failure, and previous an abdominal operation were not significantly different between the groups. However, in the open surgery group, fewer patients had a previous median laparotomy compared with the laparoscopic group (6 vs 16 patients; p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in mean operation time (36 ± 24 vs 38 ± 15 minutes) and hospital stay (2.1 ± 2.7 vs 3.1 ± 7.3 days) between the groups. In the open surgery group 77% of the patients had an adequate functioning catheter 2 - 4 weeks after insertion compared with 70% of patients in the laparoscopic group (p = not significant [NS]). In the open surgery group there was 1 post-operative death (2%) compared with none in the laparoscopic group (p = NS). The morbidity in both groups was low and not significantly different. In the open surgery group, 2 patients had an exit-site infection and 1 patient had a paramedian wound infection. In the laparoscopic group, 1 patient had a transient cardiac event, 1 patient had intraabdominal bleeding requiring reoperation, and 1 patient had fluid leakage that could be managed conservatively. The survival curve demonstrated a good long-term function of PD. CONCLUSION: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing open vs laparoscopic placement of PD catheters demonstrates equal clinical success rates between the 2 techniques. Advanced laparoscopic techniques such as catheter fixation techniques and omentopexy might further improve clinical outcome.

Stent extension into a single inflow vessel is a valuable option after endophlebectomy.

Background Venous stenting with an endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula can be performed in patients with extensive post-thrombotic changes. However, these hybrid procedures can induce restenosis, sometimes requiring stent extension, into a single inflow vessel. This study investigates the effectiveness of stenting into a single inflow vessel. Methods All evaluated patients had temporary balloon occlusion of the arteriovenous fistula to evaluate venous flow into the stents. When stent inflow was deemed insufficient, AVF closure was postponed and additional stenting was performed. Patency rates and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results Twenty-four (38%) of 64 patients had additional stenting. The primary, assisted primary and secondary patency were 60 %, 70% and 70% respectively. Villalta score reduced by 6.1 points ( p < 0.001), and venous clinical severity score by 2.7 points ( p = 0.034). Conclusion Stenting through the femoral confluence into a single inflow vessel is a feasible bailout option if primary hybrid intervention fails with relative high patency rates and clinical improvement.

A randomised controlled trial comparing venous stenting with conservative treatment in patients with deep venous obstruction: research protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Deep venous obstruction (DVO) has a great impact on quality of life (QoL) comparable to angina pectoris or chronic pulmonary disease. Post-thrombotic scar formation and May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) are the most common causes of DVO. Conventional treatment of DVO focuses on reducing pain or leg swelling by use of (pain) medication and therapeutic elastic stockings. In the past, a venous bypass was offered in severe post-thrombotic cases, but this procedure showed bad clinical and patency outcomes. With the introduction of percutaneous angioplasty and dedicated venous stents new opportunities were created. Deep venous stenting has been shown to be effective in retrospective case series. However, there is no prior research in which QoL after interventional treatment is compared with QoL after conventional treatment. Currently, there is a debate about the true additional value of interventional treatment. We investigate whether those patients who are treated with stenting experience a change in short form 36 (SF-36) and the Veines-QoL/Sym questionnaires compared with conventionally treated patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised trial comparing conservative deep venous management to interventional treatment. A total of 130 patients with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) or MTS, eligible for interventional percutaneous treatment, who did not have previous deep venous intervention will be included. Patients will be randomised to conservative treatment or venous stenting and stratified for the PTS or MTS subgroup. Conservative treatment consists of either one or a combination of pain medications, manual lymphatic drainage, compression stockings and regular post-thrombotic anticoagulant therapy.The primary outcome is the QoL change after 12 months compared with baseline QoL. Secondary outcomes are QoL changes at 6 weeks, clinical assessment of DVO, recurrence rate of deep venous thrombosis at 6 weeks and 12 months, and the total amount of working days lost. Intervention-specific outcomes include complications and patency. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht/Universiteit Maastricht, The Netherlands (protocol number NLNL55641.068.15 / METC 161008).We aim to publish the results of this study in a peer reviewed journal and present our findings at national or international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study protocol was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT03026049) on 17 January 2017.

Endovascular Treatment of a Renocaval Arteriovenous Fistula Induced Inferior Vena Cava Aneurysm.

Caval aneurysms are very rare but potentially lethal. Discussion about the need for treatment rises on individual basis. Based on the underlying etiology, a well-considered treatment plan should be made. Possible complications for invasive treatment and conservative management should be carefully weighed against each other. We present a patient with a caval aneurysm due to an arteriovenous fistula which we treated with endovascular embolization. Six months after treatment the patient is asymptomatic and the aneurysm size is decreased.

The value of intravascular ultrasound in the treatment of central venous obstructions in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard in diagnosis and treatment of central venous obstructions (CVOs) in hemodialysis access. However, growing data suggest that DSA might underestimate the degree and morphology of venous outflow stenosis. This could lead to inappropriate CVO management. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been shown to identify lesion characteristics remaining obscure with angiography. With the current study we suggest IVUS as an eminent imaging modality in CVO management. METHODS: Twelve patients (8 male, mean age 62.4 ± 9 years) were analyzed for suspicion of symptomatic CVO. Both angiography and IVUS evaluation were performed to determine the degree of obstruction before and after PTA. Stent placement was indicated when significant residual stenosis (>50% lumen reduction) was suspected. RESULTS: Conventional plain angiography determined 8 out of 12 central venous lesions significant. Secondary signs of obstruction, i.e., collateral filling, was present in all 12 cases. After PTA, persistent significant stenosis was observed in 3 out of 12 patients. IVUS showed significant lumen reduction in all 12 cases. Additionally, IVUS showed a median cross-sectional area of 24 ± 12 mm2 before PTA and 37 ± 23 mm2 after PTA (NS). Furthermore, IVUS showed signs of intraluminal fibrotic trabeculations in 9 patients. Stenting was performed in 10 patients with >50% lumen reduction on IVUS after PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional angiography seems unreliable to identify all significant aspects of a central venous outflow obstruction. Additional use of IVUS might aid in the decision-making process and select the optimal treatment strategy.

Hemodialysis vascular access management in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: In the Netherlands, 86% of patients start renal replacement therapy with chronic intermittent hemodialysis (HD). Guidelines do indicate predialysis care and maintenance of a well-functioning vascular access (VA) as critical issues in the management of the renal failure patient. Referral to the surgeon and time to VA creation are important determinants of the type and success of the VA and HD treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from a national questionnaire showed that time from referral to the surgeon and actual access creation is <4 weeks in 43%, 4 to 8 weeks in 30% and >8 weeks in 27% of the centers. Preoperative ultrasonography and postoperative access flowmetry are the diagnostic methods in the majority of centers (98%). Most facilities perform rope-ladder cannulation with occasionally the buttonhole technique for selected patients in 87% of the dialysis units. Endovascular intervention for thrombosis is practiced by 13%, surgical thrombectomy by 21% and either endovascular or surgery by 66% of the centers. Weekly multidisciplinary meetings are organized in 57% of the units. Central vein catheters are inserted by radiologists (36%), nephrologists and surgeons (32%). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that guidelines implementation has been successful in particular regarding issues as preoperative patient assessment for VA creation and postoperative surveillance in combination with (preemptive) endovascular intervention, leading to very acceptable VA thrombosis rates.

Revision techniques for failed PD catheters: outcome in a University Hospital.

PURPOSE: A disfunctioning peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter has been reported in upto 35%. We report different salvage techniques used and its outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our database on PD patients from 2009 to 2014. Operational data and data on PD catheter function were checked. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2014, we operated on 32 patients. Malfunction of their PD catheter was found in 23 patients and hernias in nine patients. Different laparoscopic techniques were used, including reposition of the catheter, fixation of the catheter, removal of adhesions and omentectomy. Of these 23 patients, 18 (78%) had a normal functioning catheter after the operation. Nine patients of the total of 32 patients had a correction of their hernia. In all cases, a non-absorbable mesh was used. Of those nine patients with a hernia, eight (89%) had a normal functioning catheter after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The salvage of the catheter by means of a laparoscopic procedure or correction of a hernia is worthwhile and can save up to 81% of the catheters.

Iliocaval Confluence Stenting for Chronic Venous Obstructions.

PURPOSE: Different techniques have been described for stenting of venous obstructions. We report our experience with two different confluence stenting techniques to treat chronic bi-iliocaval obstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 11/2009 and 08/2014 we treated 40 patients for chronic total bi-iliocaval obstructions. Pre-operative magnetic resonance venography showed bilateral extensive post-thrombotic scarring in common and external iliac veins as well as obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Stenting of the IVC was performed with large self-expandable stents down to the level of the iliocaval confluence. To bridge the confluence, either self-expandable stents were placed inside the IVC stent (24 patients, SECS group) or high radial force balloon-expandable stents were placed at the same level (16 patients, BECS group). In both cases, bilateral iliac extensions were performed using nitinol stents. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved for all patients. In 15 (38 %) patients, a hybrid procedure with endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula creation needed to be performed because of significant involvement of inflow vessels below the inguinal ligament. Mean follow-up was 443 ± 438 days (range 7-1683 days). For all patients, primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rate at 36 months were 70, 73, and 78 %, respectively. Twelve-month patency rates in the SECS group were 85, 85, and 95 % for primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency. In the BECS group, primary patency was 100 % during a mean follow-up period of 134 ± 118 (range 29-337) days. CONCLUSION: Stenting of chronic bi-iliocaval obstruction shows relatively high patency rates at medium follow-up. Short-term patency seems to favor confluence stenting with balloon-expandable stents.

Long segment recanalization and dedicated central venous stenting in an ultimate attempt to restore vascular access central vein outflow.

PURPOSE: Maintaining vascular access in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis is a challenging process, especially in patients enduring multiple central line placements and in whom peripheral options have been exhausted. CASE: We present a case of a 60-year-old male without options for peripheral vascular access due to multiple failed arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Furthermore, bilateral subclavian, brachiocephalic veins and iliac veins were occluded or significantly obstructed. After long segment central vein recanalization, an upper arm loop arteriovenous graft was implanted. The recanalized segment was stented with a 12-mm dedicated venous nitinol stent. CONCLUSION: Chronic central vein obstructions demand stents with both high radial force and flexibility. We recommend dedicated venous stents to improve technical success and reduce stent-related complications like early re-occlusion due to fracturing, kinking or straightening.