The use of HeRO (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) graft in hemodialysis

Abstract

Creating durable vascular access has become more complicated with the improvement of the management and with the increasing survival of patients with end-stage renal disease. HeRO (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) graft allows to maintain vascular access on the upper limb in patients with the presence of bilateral central venous occlusion. Our institute was the first in Hungary to perform a HeRO graft implantation in a patient receiving regular hemodialysis. Our objective was to present our findings with this recent innovation. Case report, medical documentation and imaging studies were reviewed. The patient (73-year-old, female) has been receiving hemodialysis since 12 years with the history of several arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creations, thrombectomies, use of central venous catheter in both sides. Following the occlusion of a left cubital arterio-venous fistula, none of the conventional vascular access types could have been performed due to bilateral subclavian vein occlusion. Successful HeRO graft implantation was performed. The patient underwent graft thrombectomy and endovascular intervention 7 and 12 months after the original procedure. After both reoperations, the graft functioned well for hemodialysis. HeRO graft can be a good alternative to central venous catheters and lower limb arterio-venous grafts in cases of bilateral central venous occlusion. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(31): 1231-1234.