Abdominal collateral veins as an unconventional access site for hemodialysis after primary access failure

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular access dysfunction and the depletion of access pathways are complications associated with morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. As described in the literature, catheter insertion through small collateral veins or recanalized cervical and thoracic veins is an attractive option.

Case description: This article reports a case in which a collateral vein in the abdominal region was used as an access for hemodialysis.

Conclusion: After multiple attempts with fistulas and catheters, the left abdominal wall collateral network proved to be a successful access site. Using unconventional veins can be an alternative in these patients.

Keywords: Arteriovenous fistula; dialysis; ultrasonography – Doppler evaluation.