Viabahn stent for hemodialysis shunt: efficacy, long segment recanalization and prognostic factors for reintervention.

Introduction: The study evaluated the Heparin Bioactive Surface (HBS) Viabahn Stent (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona) efficacy in the maintenance or re-establishment of hemodialysis.

Materials And Methods: Fifty HBS Viabahn stents deployed in 37 consecutive patients with hemodialysis dysfunction from January 2008 to May 2016 were evaluated in a single-institution retrospective review. Outcomes were stent patency intended as primary circuit patency (PP), assisted primary patency (APP), target lesion primary patency (TLPP) and secondary patency (SP). Moreover, the risk factor analysis for hemodialysis dysfunction that required reintervention was performed. A subgroup analysis was conducted to assess patency of Viabahn stent to treat peripheral venous long segment obstruction (LSO).

Results: Overall Kaplan-Meyer PPs were 60% at 12 months and 42% at 24 months. Overall TLPP estimated rates were 68% and 49% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The corresponding SP rates were 85% and 78% at the same period. Estimated PP rates at 12 and 24 months for stent placement after peripheral venous long segment recanalization procedure were 53% and 31%, respectively. Corresponding SP rates were 82% and 68%, respectively. The APP rates were 79% at 12 months and 61% at 24 months. Female sex, access age and thrombosis were associated with reduced primary patency.

Conclusions: Considering the high rates of PP, TLPP, APP and SP, Viabahn stents have been proven effective in maintaining or re-establishing the hemodialysis access. Moreover, stent placement after recanalization of LSO of venous out-flow represented a valid approach to rescue a dysfunctional fistula that would otherwise be abandoned.