Placement of Upper Extremity Arteriovenous Access in Patients with Central Venous Occlusions: A Novel Technique.

Background: Central venous occlusion is a common occurrence in patients with end-stage renal disease. Placement of upper extremity arteriovenous access in patients with occlusion of the brachiocephalic veins is often not an option. Avoidance of lower extremity vascular access can decrease morbidity and infection.