Translumbar hemodialysis long-term catheters: an alternative for vascular access failure

Vascular access (VA) in hemodialysis (HD) is essential to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients survival. Unfortunately, after some years in HD program, a significant number of patients may develop VA failure for many reasons. In this situation, arterial venous fistula (AVF) confection or catheters placement in traditional vascular sites (jugular, femoral or subclavian) are not feasible. In this scenario, translumbar tunneled dialysis catheter (TLDC) may be a salvage option.

To describe placement technic, complications, and patency of 12 TLDC.

A retrospective study was performed to analyze 12 TLDC placement in an angiography suite using fluoroscopic guidance at the University Hospital of the Rio Grande do Norte Federal University from January 2016 to October 2017. The data collected of the total procedures performed consisted of demographic characteristics, success rates, observed complications, patient survival, and catheter patency.

All 12 TLDC were placed with success; there were only 2 significant periprocedure complications (major bleeding and extubation failure); 41.6% of patients presented a catheter-related first infection after 98 ± 72.1 (6-201) days, but catheter withdrawal was not necessary, mean total access patency was 315.5 (range 65 - 631) catheter-days, and catheter patency at 3, 6 and 12 months was 91 %, 75%, and 45%.

TLDC is an option for patients with VA failure, improving survival and acting as a bridge for renal transplantation.