Fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters initially placed by interventional radiologists.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation in patients with malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters that were initially placed by interventional radiologists under fluoroscopic guidance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to April 2012, 52 patients (mean age, 52.8 y ± 2.10s; range, 12-79 y) with malfunctioning PD catheters in whom fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation was performed were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as fluoroscopically verified, successful catheter repositioning and adequate dialysate drainage after the procedure. Clinical success was defined as maintenance of PD catheter function for at least 30 days after the manipulation.

RESULTS: During the study period, 72 manipulations (68 initial manipulations and 4 remanipulations) for malfunctioning PD catheters were done. The technical success rate was 74% (50 of 68) for initial manipulations and 75% (3 of 4) for remanipulations. The overall clinical success rate was 47% (32 of 68) for initial manipulations and 0% (0 of 4) for remanipulations. The primary causes of catheter malfunction were extraluminal obstruction by omental wrapping or adhesions in 43 of 68 cases (63.2%) and catheter malposition in 25 of 68 (36.8%) cases. There were no procedure-related major complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation in patients with malfunctioning PD catheters initially placed by interventional radiologists is a simple procedure, an effective way of prolonging PD catheter life, and a recommended procedure before invasive surgical procedures.