A successful struggle to prolong arteriovenous fistula patency: a case report

C C Gil1, F V Azevedo, M A Ferreira

  • 1Hemodial, Vila Franca de Xira Hemodialysis Center, Portugal. celia.gil@clix.pt

Insights

Vascular access complications in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis can be managed. Recurrent central venous stenosis was successfully treated with bypass surgery, maintaining fistula patency.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Adequate vascular access (VA) is crucial for hemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), impacting morbidity and mortality.
  • VA patency relies on prompt identification and management of complications by nephrologists and vascular surgeons.
  • Venous stenosis is a primary cause of VA thrombosis, necessitating early detection and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of recurrent central venous stenosis in a hemodialysis patient.
  • To illustrate the successful management of complex VA stenosis with bypass surgery.
  • To highlight the long-term efficacy of surgical correction for persistent venous stenosis.

Main Methods:

  • A clinical case report of a 90-year-old patient with CRF on maintenance HD.
  • Management of recurrent central venous stenosis following percutaneous angioplasty (PTA).
  • Surgical correction using bypass grafting for refractory venous stenosis.

Main Results:

  • The patient experienced recurrent central venous stenosis despite previous PTA.
  • Bypass surgery successfully corrected the stenosis, restoring adequate blood flow.
  • The original vascular access fistula remained functional and patent for two years post-surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Bypass surgery is an effective option for managing recurrent central venous stenosis in hemodialysis patients.
  • Timely surgical intervention can preserve vascular access function and improve patient outcomes.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration between nephrologists and vascular surgeons is key for optimal VA management.