Placement of hemodialysis catheters by the help of micropuncture technique in patients with central venous occlusion and limited access.

BACKGROUND/AIM: It is aimed to describe the technical success of the micropuncture technique performed in placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters in patients with central venous occlusion and limited access.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with central venous occlusion and in need for catheter placement for hemodialysis between 2012 and 2018 were included in this study and analyzed retrospectively. Technical success was defined as the placement of tunneled dialysis catheters with optimal position and function.

RESULTS: Internal jugular vein access in 16 patients (14 right and 2 left) and right subclavian vein access in 3 patients were successfully performed in placement of the tunneled dialysis catheter. Although internal jugular and subclavian vein accesses were attempted bilaterally; the procedure was failed in 6 patients. Overall technical success in recanalization of the occluded central veins was 76% (19/25). No minor or major complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION: Tunneled dialysis catheter placement through the occluded internal jugular and subclavian veins with micropuncture technique is effective and safe in patients with limited vascular access. The recanalization of the occluded conventional access routes should always be kept in mind to allow the preservation of vascular accesses for future requirements.