Endovascular salvage of a chronically thrombosed hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

For hemodialysis-dependent patients, maintaining functional access is a crucial lifeline. Thrombosed access should be salvaged as soon as possible to avoid complications of missed dialysis and to maximize the chance of success. Due to unfortunate circumstances, this patient's thrombosed arteriovenous fistula was not salvaged for 7 months. Despite the chronicity, endovascular salvage was achieved, with subsequent successful cannulation for maintenance dialysis. Contrary to conventional wisdom, chronically thrombosed arteriovenous fistulas can be salvaged through endovascular means with appropriate patient selection.

Keywords

• Arteriovenous fistula
• Endovascular procedures
• Hemodialysis
• Thrombosis
• Thrombolysis