Treatment of inferior vena cava obstruction in hemodialysis patients using Wallstents: early and intermediate results.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Wallstents in treating inferior vena cava obstruction in hemodialysis patients.

CONCLUSION

For the short and intermediate term, percutaneous placement of inferior vena cava Wallstents, followed by balloon angioplasty, is a safe and valuable technique for preserving the often limited central venous access in hemodialysis patients. To maintain patency, recurrent stenosis within the Wallstent can be treated with additional angioplasty.