Case report on the management of failed tunneled hemodialysis catheter insertion: The challenges and utility of fluoroscopy

Abstract

Hemodialysis vascular access is critical to ensuring adequate hemodialysis sessions. Tunneled internal jugular vascular (IJV) access is a type of intermediate access that has become increasingly useful in low- and middle-income countries, where there are not many vascular surgeons with expertise in arteriovenous fistula creation. We presented a 69-year-old male who had complicated IJV catheter insertion, with the catheter located in the pulmonary vascular bed of the left lung and associated left-sided hemothorax. He was managed by multidisciplinary team of nephrologists, radiologists, and cardiothoracic surgeons, who removed the catheter under fluoroscopic guidance without any complication or need for open thoracotomy. The case highlighted the utility of fluoroscopy in aiding hemodialysis catheter insertion, removal, and management of its complications.