Dual-tract transhepatic U-shaped hemodialysis inferior vena cava catheter: a feasibility study in a swine model.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of establishing a U-shaped inferior vena cava (IVC) catheter entirely from a transhepatic approach and to determine the catheter caliber that would provide adequate flow for hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three pigs (weight, 45-50 kg) were used. A peripheral right hepatic vein was accessed transhepatically by using a 22-gauge needle, and a 0.018-inch wire was passed into the hepatic veins and IVC. An accessory right hepatic vein was accessed from the IVC. A snare was deployed in the accessory vein and used as a target for a second transhepatic 22-gauge needle pass. A wire was snared through the second transhepatic tract, around into the IVC, and through the first transhepatic tract. The 0.018-inch wire was upsized to a 0.035-inch platform. Measurements where made to tailor a U-shaped catheter from simple 10.2- and 12-F tubes by cutting them longitudinally (single long side hole) along the length of the IVC segment. The U-shaped hemodialysis catheter was placed over the wire and positioned so that the catheter opening lay in the IVC. With use of a dialysis machine, pressures and flow tolerance at set flow rates (100, 200, 300, 350, and 400 mL/min) were tested.

RESULTS

All pigs underwent and survived successful catheter placements. All 10.2- and 12-F catheters tolerated flow rates up to 350 and 400 mL/min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing a U-shaped hemodialysis catheter with an entirely transhepatic approach is technically feasible. The 10.2-F U-shaped dialysis catheters provided a flow rate (>350 mL/min) that is appropriate for hemodialysis in human clinical settings.