The Journal of Vascular Access

Vascular access problems are one of the main concerns in the diabetic end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population. However, the optimal strategy for the establishment of vascular access in this population remains to be solved. We performed a systematic review in order to clarify the most advisable approach of vascular access planning in diabetic patients with ESKD.

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for English-language articles without time restriction through focused, high-sensitive search strategies. We included all studies providing outcome data on diabetics starting chronic haemodialysis treatment on the basis of the type of primary placed vascular access.

A total of 13 studies comprising over 2,800 participants with diabetes were reviewed in detail and included in the review. We found that diabetic patients using a dialysis catheter apparently experience a higher risk of death and infection compared with patients who successfully achieved and maintained an arteriovenous fistula as dialysis access. The comparison between the use of a graft or an autogenous fistula as dialysis access generated conflicting results. Primary patency rates appeared to be lower in diabetics versus non-diabetics.

Our study suggests that diabetic ESKD patients with dialysis catheters incur a higher risk of death in comparison to those who achieve an arteriovenous access. It is however unclear whether this is caused by residual selection bias or by a true advantage of native vascular access.

A shunt is usually created from the distal arm (wrist) to the proximal arm (axillary loop) as long as no central stenosis has occurred. Creating vascular access in a patient with central vein stenosis could induce venous hypertension in the upper extremities. In such patients, an ipsilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) as an arteriovenous (AV) outflow vein should be the last option for using a particular arm.

Thirty-two patients who had AV hemodialysis access via a jugular vein were analyzed retrospectively from 2001 to 2011. All patients had an ipsilateral subclavian or axillary vein stenosis. The preserved IJV and innominate veins were preoperatively confirmed with Doppler echocardiography and contrast venography.

Mean age of the patients was 57.6 ± 12.3 years, and the mean follow-up period was 43.5 ± 27.4 months. Primary patency was 74%, 54%, 32%, 15% and 5% at 6 months, 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. Secondary patency was 97%, 93%, 93%, 89%, 79% and 72% at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. One case of steal syndrome, 2 of seroma, 1 hematoma, 3 swollen arm, 2 infections, 1 pseudoaneurysm, 1 bleeding from puncture site, 8 stenoses and 13 thrombosis cases were noted.

A brachial-jugular AV graft showed satisfactory results in terms of patency and complication rate. The IJV could be a good outflow vein for an AV fistula if the IJV is preserved in patients with chronic renal failure who have subclavian or axillary vein stenosis or occlusion.

To investigate the role of wall shear stress in aspects of the formation of fibrin sheath and intimal thickening in a dog model.

Tunneled silicone 14.5-F catheters were inserted into the left internal jugular vein in eight dogs. The dogs were separated into two groups according to catheter indwelling time of 14 and 28 days. All dogs underwent extracorporeal circulation three times a week. Multidetector computed tomography venography (MDCTV) examination was used to examine the catheter tip thrombus. After the animals were sacrificed, histological and immunohistochemistry evaluations were performed to confirm specific cell populations. We used computer modeling to generate wall shear stress profiles for the blood flow through the catheter.

Catheter-related sheaths were identified in all catheter specimens, but there was no fibrin sheath around the catheter tip. There were also differences in wall shear stress between the different venous wall sites. Differences in vein wall thickening at different sites have been found at both 14 days (intima to media (I/M) ratio S1 vs S2: p = 0.01, S3 vs S4: p<0.01) and 28 days (I/M ratio S1 vs S2: p<0.01, S3 vs S4: p<0.05).

After catheter placement, fibrin sheath formation partially covered the catheter. Meanwhile, focal areas of intimal thickening were also seen in the venous wall adjacent to the sites of high wall shear stress. These findings indicate an important role of wall shear stress profiles in fibrin sheath formation and intimal thickening.

Recently, there have been many reports that exact central vein catheter tip positioning was possible using intracardiac electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Ultrasonic guidance in combination with intracardiac ECG monitoring may allow for a tunneled dialysis catheter to be inserted at the bedside without using fluoroscopy. Therefore we report on the intracavitary ECG method for insertion of a tunneled dialysis catheter with ultrasound guidance and the feasibility, safety, effectiveness, complications and limitations of this method.

From April 2012 to June 2014, we evaluated 142 hemodialysis (HD) patients who were dialyzed by a tunneled dialysis catheter that was inserted using intracardiac ECG monitoring without fluoroscopic usage. We checked the intracardiac P wave and the point at which it gradually rose to the highest P wave morphology, we stopped inserting the catheter.

Catheter flow during dialysis was adequate in 139 cases. There were three cases where it malfunctioned. Catheter malposition occurred in 6 out of 142 cases. The correct matching rate between the intracardiac ECG and chest posteroanterior (PA) view was 98.5%. No significant complications developed.

To conclude, in this single-center study, the intracavitary ECG method for assessing the position of the tip of tunneled dialysis catheter was proven to be safe and feasible in virtually all adult patients who had an evident P wave at the basal ECG tracking.

Permanent central venous catheter use is associated with significant complications that often require their timely removal. An uncommon complication is resistant removal of the catheter due to adherence of the catheter to the vessel wall. This occasionally mandates invasive interventions for removal. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of this “stuck catheter” phenomenon and its consequences.

A retrospective review of all the removed tunneled hemodialysis catheters from July 2005 to December 2014 at a single academic-based hemodialysis center to determine the incidence of stuck catheters. Data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained computerized vascular access database and verified manually against patient charts.

In our retrospective review of tunneled hemodialysis catheters spanning close to a decade, we found that 19 (0.92%) of catheters were retained, requiring endovascular intervention or open sternotomy. Of these, three could not be removed, with one patient succumbing to catheter-related infection. Longer catheter vintage appeared to be associated with ‘stuck catheter’.

Retention of tunneled central venous catheters is a rare but important complication of prolonged tunneled catheter use that nephrologists should be aware of. Endoluminal balloon dilatation procedures are the initial approach, but surgical intervention may be necessary.

Electrocardiographic (ECG) guidance has been shown to be as effective than fluoroscopy to position the tip of central venous devices close to the superior vena cava (SVC)–right atrium (RA) junction. When SVC access is contraindicated, a femoral access may be used. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ECG guidance to position the tip of femoral ports at inferior vena cava (IVC)–RA junction.

Inclusion criterion was the need for femoral port implantation. After insertion of the dilator in the femoral vein, the catheter with the guide wire inside was introduced and the ECG signal collected at the tip of the guide (Celsite™ ECG, B. Braun, Germany) or via saline injected in the catheter (Nautilus™, Perouse, France). Fluoroscopy was performed at each change of the P-wave from IVC to RA. A final X-ray was performed after withdrawing the catheter 2 cm below the first P-wave change.

A total of 18 patients were included between December 2011 and June 2013. The P-wave was most often negative in IVC, biphasic when the catheter entered RA and giant and positive at the top of RA. When the catheter was withdraw 2 cm below the first biphasic P-wave the tip was just below the IVC–RA junction in 17 patients. In one patient P-wave changes were not significant and the final position was adjusted under fluoroscopy.

ECG guidance is effective to assess catheter tip position during femoral port placement and avoids the need for radiological methods.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in orthopedic patients with chronic bone orthopedic infection.

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was waived. Records of 180 consecutives PICCs placed in patients hospitalized in the orthopedic surgery department were reviewed. All patients had bones infections necessitating a long-term intravenous antibiotics therapy. All PICC complications were recorded during the patient hospitalization: infection [catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), exit-site infection, septic phlebitis], thrombosis, occlusion, mechanical complication (accidental withdrawal, malposition, median nerve irritation).

One hundred and eighty PICCs were placed in 136 patients. Mean duration of catheterization was 21 days (total 3911 PICC-days). Thirty-six PICCs (20%) were removed due to complications (9.2 complications per 1000 PICC-days): 14 (8%) infections (one CRBSI (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), one septic phlebitis (P. aeruginosa), two exit-site infections and 10 CLABSIs), 11 (6%) occlusions, and 12 (7%) mechanical complications (10 accidental withdrawals, one malposition, one median nerve irritation). One patient had two complications simultaneously. After multivariate analysis, two risk factors were significantly associated with the overall occurrence of complications: age more than 70 years [OR = 2.89 (1.06-7.89], p = 0.04] and number of lumen at least two [OR = 2.64 (1.03-6.75), p = 0.04].

Even in orthopedic patients with chronic orthopedic bone infection, PICCs have a low rate of complication. The increasing lumen number of the PICC is a potential risk factor in our series.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a radiofrequency wire (RF) for central venous occlusion (CVO) recanalization after failure using conventional techniques.

A retrospective analysis of all central venous recanalization procedures using an RF wire from January 2007 to December 2012 was performed. This comprised 13 consecutive procedures in 12 patients. The electronic medical record and radiologic imaging studies were reviewed to obtain information regarding patient demographics, indication for revascularization, duration of vascular occlusion, procedure outcome, and complications.

Technical success was achieved in nine of 13 (69%) occluded vessels in nine of 12 (75%) patients. Lengths of successfully crossed lesions (mean 29.8 ± 29.3 mm) were significantly less than those of unsuccessfully crossed lesions (mean 90 ± 73.7 mm), p = 0.039. Of the nine patients with technically successful procedures, three died with patent stents of causes unrelated to the procedure, one had a patent stent at 547 days, two had stent patency of 94 days and 345 days, and three were lost to follow-up. One patient (8.3%) experienced a major complication wherein tracheal perforation by the RF wire contributed to the patient's death.

RF recanalization is a viable option in patients with central vein occlusion refractory to traditional procedures. However, it does not guarantee successful revascularization and is not without the potential for harm.

To evaluate the risk factors for central vein stenosis after placement of the totally implantable venous access ports (TIVPs) and the clinical relevance of this condition in breast cancer patients.

TIVPs were placed in 191 women with breast cancer via the internal jugular vein (IJV) from January 2009 to December 2012 (mean age, 51.42 years) by left-side (n = 102) and right-side (n = 89) approaches. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of significant central vein stenosis, tip location of the catheter and retrosternal space were evaluated on chest computed tomography images. Statistical analysis was performed.

Central vein stenosis developed in 1 and 14 patients after placement via the right and left IJV, respectively. Differences in the cumulative incidence of central vein stenosis were statistically significant between left- and right-side approach groups (log rank test p-value: 0.009). In Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio for central vein stenosis was 9.441 (p = 0.031) in the left-side approach. The distance between the sternum and the left innominate vein was found to be significantly and independently related to the development of central vein stenosis (p = 0.026). The hazard ratio of distances between the sternum and left innominate vein <16 mm was 10.133 (1.319-77.841).

The incidence of central vein stenosis in breast cancer patients was higher after placement of TIVPs via the left IJV. When left-side TIVP placement is required in a patient with right-side breast cancer, the possibilities of left innominate vein stenosis should be considered.

The objective of this study was to determine through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis whether success rates, time to cannulation, and number of punctures required for peripheral venous access are improved with ultrasound guidance compared with traditional techniques in patients with difficult peripheral venous access.

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cumulative Index to Nursing, and Allied Health Literature. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: patients of any age identified as having difficult peripheral venous access; real-time ultrasound guidance was used for peripheral venous cannulation; and inclusion of at least one of these outcomes (success rates, time to successful cannulation and number of punctures required).

Seven studies were selected for final analysis. Ultrasound guidance improved success rates when compared with traditional techniques [pooled odds ratio (OR) 3.96; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.75-8.94]. No significant difference between ultrasound-guided techniques and traditional techniques was detected for time to cannulation or number of punctures required.

In patients with difficult peripheral venous access, ultrasound guidance increased success rates of peripheral venous placement when compared with traditional techniques. However, ultrasound guidance had no effect on time to successful cannulation or number of punctures required for successful cannulation.

In order to find the correct final position of the tip of a central venous catheter, we have developed a new electric method (the Proximity of Cardiac Motion (PCM) method), designed to work in tandem with the existing ECG-based method.

A small, patient-safe, high-frequency current is fed through the catheter (via the saline-filled lumen of the catheter, or a stylet). Simultaneously, the resulting voltage is measured by two electrodes on the frontal thoracic skin. The catheter tip hence functions as a current source inside the vasculature. The cardiac motion produces a variation in the amplitude of the measured voltage in the rhythm of the cardiac cycle, and the strength of this oscillatory variation is proportional to the strength of the incident current field on the heart, which is a rapidly decaying function of the distance between the catheter tip and the cavoatrial junction (CAJ). Hence the strength of this oscillatory variation is a strong indicator for the proximity of the catheter tip with respect to the CAJ.

The new method has been tested in an animal model, yielding an average final position of the catheter tip of 2.1 cm above the CAJ, with a maximum deviation of 0.5 cm.

We conclude that the new PCM method can be combined with the existing ECG method, and may potentially have significant added value when the ECG method cannot be applied, for example, in patients with atrial fibrillation or a pacemaker.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of incremental increases of tidal volume (TV) on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and size of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV), and the relationship between RIJV and the carotid artery (CA).

This prospective study included 23 pediatric patients aged between 7 and 12 years who were anesthetized. Using a standard anesthesia protocol, the TV was increased from 6 to 10 mL/kg in 1 mL/kg increments. For each TV, images of the RIJV and CA at the level of the cricoid cartilage were recorded at the end of the inspiration. From these results, the CSA and size of the RIJV and the percentage of CA overlap were calculated.

The median (interquartile range) RIJV CSA was 0.82 (0.52-1.07) cm² at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 0.86 (0.58-1.05), 0.88 (0.55-1.08), 0.95 (0.62-1.17) and 1.02 (0.70-1.20) cm² at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences in the percentage overlap of the CA between all TVs. The median (interquartile range) transverse diameter was 1.16 (0.99-1.36) cm at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 1.20 (1.10-1.41), 1.26 (1.05-1.45), 1.28 (1.10-1.49) and 1.35 (1.12-1.52) cm at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively. The median (interquartile range) anteroposterior diameter was 0.77 (0.72-0.90) cm at a TV of 6 mL/kg and significantly increased to 0.81 (0.72-0.94), 0.85 (0.74-0.99), 0.88 (0.75-1.02) and 0.89 (0.79-1.06) cm at TVs of 7, 8, 9 and 10 mL/kg, respectively.

This study reveals that a TV of 10 mL/kg in anesthetized children achieved the greatest size in the RIJV, and caused no difference in the CA overlap. These results suggest that a TV of 10 mL/kg is the optimal choice when facilitating catheterization and in the avoidance of complications in anesthetized children connected to mechanical ventilator that are required to undergo RIJV catheterization.

As a step to large-scale clinical trials, we conducted a small-scale exploratory study to clarify whether the secondary lumen of the double-lumen (DL) peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) could perform as well as the secondary lumen of the DL centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs), with an acceptable complication rate in the perioperative surgery period.

Forty thoracic esophageal cancer patients requiring central venous catheterization during the perioperative period were assigned to the DL-PICC (4.5-French, 60-cm) group or the DL-CICC (16-gauge, 30-cm) group, with 1:1 randomization. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of continuous catecholamine infusion via the secondary lumen during the observation period.

Thirty-two cases (14 cases in the PICC group and 18 cases in the CICC group) were analyzed. Continuous catecholamine infusion via the secondary lumen was completed in all 32 cases. No major complications related to PICC/CICC placement/maintenance were noted in the groups during the median observation period of 6 days.

The secondary lumen of the DL-PICCs performed as well as the secondary lumen of the DL-CICCs with acceptable safety during the relatively short perioperative period of these thoracic esophageal cancer patients (UMIN Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000008131).

Ischaemic monomelic neuropathy (IMN) is a rare but serious complication of haemodialysis access procedures, with a highly variable clinical presentation. We present a case of presumed IMN managed with ligation of the prosthetic brachial-axillary access, leading to recovery of neurological function.

A 75-year-old male who underwent placement of a left prosthetic brachial-axillary access developed a swollen left upper limb following surgery and underwent interventional management for central venous occlusion.

Eleven weeks following placement of the access, he presented with gross swelling and loss of function in the left arm. Ultrasonography excluded nerve compression. The brachial-axillary access was urgently ligated, leading to recovery of function in the arm. Electromyography (EMG) studies confirmed an ischaemic cause.

The pathophysiology of IMN is poorly understood. This case is atypical in that the patient suffered from central venous stenosis prior to the development of IMN. This raises the possibility that the gross swelling secondary to recurrent central venous occlusion may have led to an ischaemic neuropathy by altering nerve perfusion. Early management led to a functional recovery of the affected limb, suggesting that an urgent approach in patients with suspected IMN might be associated with the best outcomes.