An easy technique for the removal of a hemodialysis catheter stuck in central veins
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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Femoral Arterial and Venous Catheterization for Blood Sampling, Drug Administration and Conscious Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Measurements
Published on: January 24, 2012
1Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, New York 11203, USA. jhong@downstate.edu
Insights
A novel technique successfully removed a stuck central venous catheter used for hemodialysis (HD). This method involves using an introducer sheath over the catheter to facilitate removal from the central vein when standard methods fail.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Nephrology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Central venous catheters are essential for long-term hemodialysis (HD).
- Catheter removal is typically straightforward but can be complicated by adherence within the central vein.
- Stuck catheters pose a significant challenge in clinical practice.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male patient presented with a hemodialysis catheter that could not be removed using standard techniques due to being stuck in the central vein.
- Initial attempts involving dissection at the exit site and direct traction were unsuccessful.
Findings:
- A modified technique was employed, involving a second incision to access the subcutaneous portion of the catheter.
- An introducer sheath was advanced over the retained catheter into the internal jugular vein.
- This facilitated the easy removal of the adhered catheter.
Implications:
- This technique offers a viable solution for managing complex cases of stuck central venous catheters.
- It may be applicable to the removal of various types of indwelling devices from central veins.
- This approach could improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural complications.
Background:
Central venous catheters are currently used for long-term hemodialysis (HD) in a large number of patients. When the catheter needs to be removed, the removal is usually achieved without difficulty after dissection of the cuff from the tunnel. However, when the catheter is stuck in the central vein, the removal becomes complex or unsuccessful. Herein, a simple and easy technique is described for the removal of an HD catheter stuck in the central vein.
Case Report:
Attempts were made to remove an HD catheter from a 65-year-old male by making an incision in the skin over the exit site of the catheter to dissect the cuff from the tunnel and by pulling the catheter, but without success because the catheter was stuck in the central vein. Through a second skin incision in the neck, the subcutaneous portion of the catheter was retrieved from the tunnel and then an introducer sheath was inserted over the catheter into the internal jugular vein while the catheter was held in place. The sheath was advanced around the catheter into the central vein. The catheter was then easily pulled out from the central vein.
Comment:
The reported cases of stuck catheters in the literature were reviewed to acknowledge the difficulties encountered in the removal attempts. The technique described herein can be used for the removal of a variety of catheters and wires stuck in the central vein.
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