[Endovascular removal of a hemodialysis catheter stuck in central vein].

The number of patients with end-stage kidney disease requiring hemodialysis has been growing. The use of permanent central venous dialysis catheters has been increasing. Catheters in the central veins may adhere strongly to the vessel wall, so their removal may lead to difficulties. A recently published endovascular method (so-called Hong technique) turns the catheter removal to an easy and fast outpatient method and avoids sternotomy. We successfully removed a catheter inserted into the left subclavian vein 6 years ago which was impossible to extract by the usual techniques. Based on our experience, we recommend the routine use of the Hong technique. Orv Hetil. 2019, 160(11): 435-437.