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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Laparoscopic-Assisted Seldinger Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion
Published on: May 23, 2025
Percutaneous transrenal hemodialysis catheter insertion
Ravi Murthy1, Massoud Arbabzadeh, Gunnar Lund
1Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Medical System, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. rmurthy@umm.edu
Insights
Patients with end-stage renal disease needing hemodialysis often require catheter access. A novel transrenal approach offers a viable solution for central venous access when traditional methods fail.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Hemodialysis necessitates reliable central venous access.
- Catheter dependency is common in end-stage renal disease patients.
- Traditional venous access sites frequently occlude, necessitating alternative strategies.
Observation:
- Standard percutaneous access sites (translumbar, transhepatic, transazygous) may fail or be unsuitable.
- A patient with limited options required an alternative approach for hemodialysis access.
Findings:
- Successful transrenal access into the renal vein was achieved.
- A tunneled catheter was successfully inserted via the transrenal route for hemodialysis.
Implications:
- Transrenal access represents a novel and potentially life-saving option for hemodialysis.
- This technique expands the possibilities for achieving durable venous access in complex cases.
- Further research may establish transrenal access as a standard alternative in challenging hemodialysis access scenarios.
Abstract:
During the course of providing adequate access for hemodialysis, the majority of patients with end-stage renal disease will encounter episodes of catheter dependency. Although catheter-based dialysis is inferior to that obtained through native or synthetic arteriovenous conduits, it is often the only way to provide durable venous access into the central venous circulation system for large volume exchanges. Traditional sites for venous access such as internal/external, subclavian, and common femoral veins will eventually occlude. When alternative percutaneous access sites such as translumbar, transhepatic, and transazygous fail or become less desirable, other approaches become necessary. The authors report a successful case of transrenal access into the renal vein with consequent insertion of a tunneled catheter for hemodialysis in a patient with limited options.
Related Concept Videos
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis

