Abstract

Purpose To determine the effectiveness of stent-grafts for the treatment of central venous disease in hemodialysis patients with functioning arteriovenous (AV) fistulas. Materials and Methods Between October 2004 and March 2010, 42 VIABAHN stent-grafts were deployed in central veins of 30 patients (16 men, 14 women; mean age 60 y) with functioning AV fistulas and central venous disease that did not respond to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Eighteen patients had central vein stenosis and 12 had occlusion. Previous PTA and/or bare metal stent placement had been performed in 23 patients (77%). Surveillance was carried out at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months with diagnostic fistulography. The mean follow-up was 705 days (range, 66–1,645 d). Statistical analysis included Kaplan–Meier and log-rank studies. Results Technical success rate was 100%. Primary patency rates were 97%, 81%, 67%, and 45% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Primary assisted patency rates were 100%, 100%, 80%, and 75% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Patients without previous procedures had significantly shorter times to repeat intervention ( P = .018) than those who had undergone PTA or bare metal stent placement previously. Patients with occlusive lesions had a significantly shorter primary patency interval ( P = .05) than patients with stenoses. Occluded veins were more likely to require further stent-grafts ( P = .02). Twelve patients required further stent-grafts to maintain patency. There was one minor complication. Conclusions Stent-graft placement to treat central venous disease in hemodialysis patients with autogenous AV fistulas is safe and effective if PTA fails to maintain luminal patency.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.