Novel Reconstruction of Complex Central Venous Occlusion Using Supraclavicular Stent Graft in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Subclavian vein and brachiocephalic vein occlusions are challenging problems in dialysis patients with ipsilateral upper extremity (UE) vascular access or in need of one. HeRO grafts (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow, Merit Medical Systems, Inc, South Jordan, UT) have been used to manage such occlusions but patients with chronic hypotension treated with HeRO graft may have threatened patency. We describe an alternative technique using a supraclavicular stent graft to reconstruct the venous outflow, evaluate outcomes of this procedure, and discuss its role in complex hemodialysis patients.

Methods: From January 2019 to January 2020, we performed open surgical and endovascular dialysis access procedures in 297 patients. Eight patients (2.7%) with failing or failed access and subclavian and or brachiocephalic vein occlusion were treated with supraclavicular stent graft placement. Mean age was 52 years, ranging from 32 to 70. Five patients had failed access and were dialyzed using catheters (two femoral). Three patients with failing fistulas had severe arm edema. Two patients had recurrent HeRO graft thrombosis. We performed a retrospective review of these 8 patients and evaluated access patency and complications.

Results: Technical success and access function were 100% in all patients. One patient developed ischemic neuropathy and underwent proximalization of the arterial inflow with improvement. Already-existing fistulas were used for dialysis the day after the procedure and new grafts within 2-4 weeks. Arm edema resolved within one week after the procedure. Median follow-up was 254.5 days, range 24-408 days, with primary patency rate of 87.5% and secondary patency rate of 100%. Only one patient has required reintervention. Postoperative evaluation with ultrasound has revealed patent stent graft in the area of the subcutaneous cervical tunnel over the clavicle.

Conclusions: Supraclavicular stent graft placement to a central vein can be used successfully to reconstruct venous outflow in hemodialysis patients with complex central vein occlusions. A supraclavicular extra-anatomic path can be used safely and effectively to place new UE vascular access or salvage threatened access in this challenging patient population.