Endovascular treatment of central venous stenoses in patients with dialysis shunts.

Objective: Evaluation of long-term results of percutaneous treatment of central vein stenoses or occlusions in patients with haemodialysis shunt. Materials and

Methods: In 26 patients with haemodialysis shunts and confirmed central vein stenosis or occlusion, 28 primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTA) and 5 repeated PTAs (re-PTA) were performed; in three patients a stent was implanted - primary in one patient and due to early restenosis after PTA in two patients. To maintain stent patency, 10 re-PTA were performed.

Results: The technical success rate of primary interventions was 96 % (100 % in stenoses and 50 % in occlusions). Primary post-PTA patency rate was 70 % at 3 months, 60 % at 6 months and 30 % at 12 months.

Conclusion: PTA with possible stent implantation is a first-choice method in the treatment of stenoses and occlusions of the central venous system. Despite the relatively frequent re-interventions, endovascular treatment is capable to preserve long-term function of the dialysis shunt.