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Published on: June 12, 2021
Management of complications of endovascular dialysis access procedures
1gerald@beathard.com
Insights
Endovascular procedures for hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction can cause complications like vein rupture or artery embolus. Prompt management is crucial for preserving access function and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Nephrology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Endovascular procedures are increasingly standard for managing hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction.
- These interventions, while effective, carry inherent procedure-related risks and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline common and unique complications associated with endovascular procedures for hemodialysis vascular access.
- To discuss the management strategies for these potential complications.
Main Methods:
- Review of complications associated with angioplasty during endovascular procedures.
- Analysis of complications specific to endovascular thrombectomy, including angioplasty.
- Discussion of clinical significance and management pathways for identified complications.
Main Results:
- Vein rupture/tearing is the most frequent angioplasty-related complication, with variable clinical significance.
- Symptomatic peripheral artery embolus is a major complication unique to endovascular thrombectomy.
- Most complications, including emboli, can be managed effectively through endovascular techniques.
Conclusions:
- Interventionalists must be prepared to manage endovascular procedure complications effectively.
- Appropriate management of complications is essential for successful hemodialysis vascular access maintenance.
- Understanding complication frequencies and management optimizes patient care.
Abstract:
Endovascular procedures are becoming the standard of care for the management of hemodialysis (HD) vascular access dysfunction. As with any type of medical procedure, these techniques result in procedure-related complications. The expected frequencies are low. The most frequent procedure-related complication seen in association with angioplasty that dictates the need for intervention is tearing of the vein or vein rupture. The clinical significance of this complication is variable, ranging from none to disaster for the access. The difference lies in the severity of the tear. Management depends on the clinical presentation, ranging from symptomatic measures alone to the need to occlude the graft. Since endovascular thrombectomy is a combined procedure including angioplasty, all of the complications of that procedure can occur with this procedure as well. The major unique procedure-related complication requiring interventional therapy is the occurrence of a symptomatic peripheral artery embolus. This complication can generally be managed successfully by mechanical endovascular means. It is essential that the interventionalist be prepared to manage these complications appropriately when they are encountered.
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