Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2026

Laparoscopic-Assisted Seldinger Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion
Published on: May 23, 2025
Transhepatic insertion of vascular dialysis catheters in children: a safe, life-prolonging procedure
E A Bergey1, R D Kaye, J Reyes
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA.
Insights
Transhepatic insertion of large-bore catheters is a safe and effective alternative for children with blocked central veins needing dialysis or plasmapheresis. Careful catheter removal with track embolization is recommended to prevent bleeding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Access Procedures
- Nephrology
Background:
- Percutaneous central venous catheter (CVC) insertion has been standard since 1989.
- Occluded central veins in children necessitate alternative access methods.
- Transhepatic catheter insertion adapts percutaneous techniques for challenging pediatric cases.
Observation:
- Three pediatric patients (ages 5, 11, 12) with occluded central veins required hemodialysis or plasmapheresis.
- Transhepatic insertion of large-bore catheters was successfully performed in all patients.
- Procedures utilized combined ultrasound guidance and fluoroscopy, with no immediate complications.
Findings:
- Transhepatic insertion of large-bore catheters is technically feasible and safe in pediatric patients.
- The procedure provides a viable vascular access solution when central veins are unavailable.
- Successful outcomes were achieved in patients requiring critical interventions like dialysis.
Implications:
- This technique offers a crucial alternative for pediatric patients with complex venous occlusions.
- Ensuring safe catheter removal through track embolization is vital to prevent hemorrhage.
- Expanded use of transhepatic catheterization can improve management of life-threatening conditions in children.
Introduction:
Central venous catheters (CVC) have been inserted percutaneously since 1989. This technique has been adapted for transhepatic insertion of large-bore catheters in children with occluded central veins.
Materials And Methods:
Three children aged 5, 11, and 12 years required hemodialysis or plasmaphoresis for treatment of life-threatening conditions. All central veins were occluded, thus transhepatic insertion of a large-bore catheter was necessary. All children underwent successful placement using a combination of ultrasound guidance and fluoroscopy. No complications occurred.
Discussion:
Transhepatic insertion of large-bore catheters can be performed safely in children. Catheter removal should be accompanied by track embolization to prevent exsanguinating hemorrhage.
Conclusion:
Transhepatic insertion of dialysis catheters is a safe alternative in children with occluded central veins.
Related Concept Videos
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
