Transcatheter coil embolization for steal syndrome in patients with hemodialysis access

Drainage of large amounts of shunt blood into deep veins via collaterals reduces resistance to venous outflow and decreases blood flow to the artery distal to the arterial anastomotic site, potentially resulting in steal syndrome.

To evaluate the effectiveness of transcatheter coil embolization for collateral veins of hemodialysis access in the treatment of steal syndrome.

Five hemodialysis patients (four male, one female; mean age 58.8 years, range 40-71 years) with symptomatic steal syndrome were treated. Steal syndrome was diagnosed based on decreased or absent distal pulse, coolness, pain, abnormal skin color, ischemic ulceration of digits, numbness, sensory impairment, or motor impairment. Coil embolization was performed to block collaterals communicating with deep veins, with conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Fistulography was performed before, immediately after, and 1 month after embolization. Ultrasonography was performed 2 days after embolization. Symptoms and signs were assessed 2 days after embolization. Clinical findings related to steal syndrome and access failure were observed at each hemodialysis.

Blood flow in the collaterals was successfully blocked by coil embolization in all patients. Distal pulse, coolness, pain, and skin color improved in all patients. Numbness, sensory impairment, and motor impairment were unimproved in two patients. In all patients, hemodialysis following embolization was performed normally. The mean observation period after embolization was 33 months (range 9-75 months).

Coil embolization of collaterals that drain shunt blood into deep veins is effective for steal syndrome for hemodialysis access originating in the brachial artery.