Successful Use of Endovascular Robotics in Failed Treatment of Central Venous Stenosis

Abstract

Central venous stenosis can be a significant issue for hemodialysis patients and other individuals with trauma to their central veins; indwelling catheters as well as pacemaker leads or other foreign bodies can stimulate intimal hyperplasia and stenosis. Endovascular treatment of these patients with either angioplasty or stenting is not very durable, with primary patency rates of around 20-30% at one year1, but with repeated interventions vessels can be kept patent and major open surgery can be avoided. While endovascular treatment is a good first-line therapy, some studies have reported technical failure in around 10% of patients2, leading to open repair.