Percutaneous intervention for symptomatic central vein stenosis in patients with upper limb arteriovenous dialysis access

This study was undertaken to evaluate percutaneous transvenous angioplasty (PTVA) for the treatment of all types of vascular access stenosis in a large population of dialysis patients. Stenoses were identified by venography in patients who met a set of clinical criteria indicating the need for evaluation. The lesions were classified by location and type. Data were collected prospectively and analyzed separately for each lesion type. A total of 536 PTVA procedures was performed in 285 patients. This included 107 cases of long venous stenosis (> 6 cm) and 149 cases of mid-graft stenosis. In the total group, an initial success rate of 94% was obtained (80% or greater dilatation). A decrease in VPm (venous pressure measured on dialysis) of 35.9%, 32.4%, and 22.6% was seen at one week, one month, and three months, respectively. At 90 days, 180 days, and 360 days 90.6%, 61.3%, and 38.2%, respectively, of the treated grafts were continuing to be patent and functional with no need for repeat PTVA treatment. Repeat treatments for recurrent lesions were as successful as the initial treatment. It is concluded that vascular access stenosis can be easily diagnosed and that all categories of stenotic lesion can be effectively treated with PTVA.

Central (superior vena cava, brachiocephalic, or subclavian) venous stenoses are a major impediment to long-term arteriovenous access in the upper extremities. The optimal management of these stenoses is still undecided. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of primary angioplasty (PTA) vs primary stenting (PTS) in a dialysis access population at a tertiary referral academic medical center.

This study was undertaken to evaluate hemodialysis-associated subclavian vein stenosis (SVS) and to clarify treatment of this condition. Forty-seven patients underwent upper arm venography to evaluate fistula dysfunction. Subclavian vein stenosis was documented in 12. Eleven of 12 had elevated venous dialysis pressure (196 +/- 8.9 mm Hg), and six had arm edema. All 12 had previously undergone subclavian cannulation on the side of the fistula. Thirty-five patients showed no evidence of subclavian vein stenosis. Twelve of these 35 patients (mean venous dialysis pressure 113 +/- 2.3 mm Hg) had undergone previous subclavian cannulation on the side of the fistula. The mean age of the fistula at the time of venogram in patients with subclavian vein stenosis was 17.0 months versus 5.8 months in patients with ipsilateral subclavian cannulation without subclavian vein stenosis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed on 11 of 12 patients with SVS lowering venous dialysis pressure and restoring patency to the fistula in 100%. Lesions recurred in two of 11 patients and were successfully retreated with PTA. We conclude that SVS is a common dialysis problem that is amenable to treatment with PTA. Elevated venous dialysis pressures are a sensitive indicator of this condition.