Dialysis access thrombosis is a common complication in the process of care. With the introduction of endovascular AV-fistulas [AVF]s the situation gained complexity with new potential thrombosis localizations. Several thrombectomy methods are available for recanalization of thrombosed AVFs ranging from invasive surgical methods to minimal invasive endovascular approaches. Early assessment, diagnosis and treatment is crucial for prolonging the life span of an AVF and preventing the need for placement of central venous catheters. To our best knowledge, we present the first case in which an obstructed antecubital communicating vein (aka perforating vein) of an endovascular created AVF was re-opened via interventional thrombectomy with the Rotarex® System (BD Interventional). The procedure was performed primarily under ultrasound guidance with fluoroscopic support. Our case report shows that this method, if done correctly and successfully, may prevent loss of the dialysis access. Additionally, we point towards the central role of ultrasound in this method.

The Surfacer Inside-Out Access Catheter System (Surfacer) is a novel approach to restore access in total central vein occlusion (TCVO). We report a series of three cases, with mean 18-months follow up, in our institution where this technique was safely and effectively used in tandem with Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) graft for creation of upper limb vascular access in patients with TCVO. Although there have been reports describing the simultaneous combination of Surfacer and HeRO graft, to our knowledge, this is the first time where the outcomes with 18-months mean follow-up are reported. All three patients had failed prior conventional attempts at TCVO crossing and had exhausted most conventional upper limb vascular access methods. The above technique yielded a 100% technical success rate with mean operative time of 140 min. Cannulation rate was 100% with all undergoing successful early cannulation by post-operative day 3. Mean primary patency of 199 days was achieved. Average intervention rate of 1.2 a year was required to maintain patency. The Surfacer device used together with HeRO graft is a feasible technique to avoid femoral catheter in patients where conventional attempts to cross the TCVO have failed.

UNASSIGNED: Peripherally inserted central catheter tip migration is an infrequent event that occurs in neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. We discuss a novel technique of utilizing intracavitary electrocardiogram to help confirm proper peripherally inserted central catheter tip repositioning, thereby reducing the need for serial radiographs.
UNASSIGNED: A case series of four patients will be discussed. The first three patients had peripherally inserted central catheter tips that were initially appropriately positioned but had later peripherally inserted central catheter tip migration. The use of intracavitary electrocardiogram was able to confirm the appropriate repositioning of the peripherally inserted central catheters without the need for serial radiographs. The fourth patient had several central lines in place, which led to difficulty in identifying the peripherally inserted central catheter tip location. The use of intracavitary electrocardiogram confirmed proper positioning of his peripherally inserted central catheter tip when standard radiographs could not provide clarity.
UNASSIGNED: Several techniques have been published on methods to reposition a migrated peripherally inserted central catheter tip back to the superior vena cava/right atrial junction. These repositioning techniques often require fluoroscopic guidance or a confirmatory radiograph to assess the appropriate peripherally inserted central catheter tip location. At times, several radiographs may be required before the tip is successfully repositioned. This novel application of intracavitary electrocardiogram can help to minimize radiographs when peripherally inserted central catheter tip repositioning is required.

Coronary and peripheral arterial calcification increases the complexity of percutaneous treatment strategies in both coronary and peripheral interventions. The first use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) using the Shockwave IVL device (Shockwave Medical Inc) in femoropopliteal arteries for modification of calcified plaque was recently described. We present a case illustrating use of the device to deliver a 14 French sheath for delivery of an Impella mechanical circulatory device prior to high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This case illustrates that IVL may be used to facilitate a broadening array of procedures in the catheterization laboratory, including the delivery of large bore sheathes.