Dual-tract transhepatic U-shaped hemodialysis inferior vena cava catheter: a feasibility study in a swine model.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of establishing a U-shaped inferior vena cava (IVC) catheter entirely from a transhepatic approach and to determine the catheter caliber that would provide adequate flow for hemodialysis.

Materials And Methods: Three pigs (weight, 45-50 kg) were used. A peripheral right hepatic vein was accessed transhepatically by using a 22-gauge needle, and a 0.