Femoral vein translocation for complex hemodialysis access

Vascular access is difficult in patients without suitable arm veins and prior graft infections. The use of femoral vein translocation (FVT) to the upper extremity or contralateral lower extremity for hemodialysis access may be associated with low infection rates and high patency rates. FVT is used for patients without central venous occlusion who have failed prior access either owing to graft infection or repetitive graft thrombosis. The largest case series consists of 30 cases. The objective of this study is to determine the infection incidence, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, and secondary patency rates among FVTs.

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent FVT by a single vascular practice over a 10-year period (2013-2023). Study variables included length to last follow-up (months), prior access, prior graft infection, comorbid conditions, primary patency, primary-assisted patency, secondary patency, postoperative steal syndrome, postoperative graft infection, postoperative harvest site complication, and postoperative lower extremity compartment syndrome.

A total of 131 FVTs were performed from 2013 to 2023; 126 patients (47% male, 53% female; 76% Black, 24% White) with a mean age of 52 ± 14 years and a mean body mass index of 29 ± 8 had at least 1 month of follow-up and were included for analysis. The median follow-up was 46 months (interqurtile range, 19-72 months). The mean number of prior permanent accesses was 2.5 ± 1.4. Forty-eight percent of patients had prior graft infections. The primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates were 66%, 93%, and 98%, respectively, at 6 months; 43%, 85%, and 96% at 12 months; 25%, 70%, and 92% at 24 months; 16%, 61%, and 88% at 36 months; and 14%, 56%, and 82% at 48 months. Postoperative steal syndrome and postoperative access infection requiring excision was observed 16% and 5% of patients, respectively. Harvest site complications requiring an additional procedure occurred in 19% of cases. Three patients developed lower extremity compartment syndrome postoperatively, requiring fasciotomy. Six patients developed chronic lower extremity edema after femoral vein harvest. The mean procedure time and hospital length of stay were 197 ± 40 minutes and 3.5 ± 2.8 days, respectively.

FVT is associated with low infection rates and high long-term patency rates. Significant postoperative complications include steal syndrome and harvest site complications. FVT remains a viable option for patients who have failed prior access owing to graft infection or repetitive graft thrombosis.