Endoluminal dilatation technique to remove stuck hemodialysis tunneled catheter: A case report from Indonesia

Tunneled CVC is being increasingly used worldwide as a mean of vascular access for hemodialysis. Among these, one of the emerging complications is that of the "embedded" or stuck catheter. There have been registered cases of vasomotor collapse, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), avulsion of the vena cava, damage to the tricuspid valve having fatal consequences, and breakage of the CVC (Lodi et al., 2016).

A 63-year-old female with mature AV fistula came to the clinic for removal of a tunnelled 15 fr double lumen dialysis catheter (Medical Components, Harleysville, Pensylvania) that had been inserted into the left internal jugular vein 15 months prior to this visit. In the OR, our surgical attempt to remove the catheter failed. The first few dilation procedures were performed using 0.035-inch guidewire and balloon catheters. The technique was subsequently modified as follows. In this case we use a 6 × 60 mm Scoreflex balloon. Endoluminal dilation was repeated along the length of the catheter up to the cuff. Once the catheter has been removed, pressure was applied using sterile gauze to aid hemostasis. The procedure was successful without any observed complication.

Endoluminal dilatation technique is considered as the easiest and safest technique to remove hemodialysis catheter. Our case is the first stuck hemodialysis catheter reported in Indonesia and probably the first case that happen and treat with endoluminal dilatation technique in our country.