Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Subclavian Vein Bypass Graft for Relief of Venous Obstruction and Haemodialysis Access

Abstract

Subclavian and brachio-cephalic vein stenosis or occlusion occurs, most commonly, as an iatrogenic complication of the placement of central venous catheter. This occurrence can cause ipsilateral arm swelling in a newly-created arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Critical central vein stenoses are often successfully managed by endovascular approach; occasionally, complete occlusion with symptomatic severe arm swelling and pain that does not respond to angioplasty requires ligation of the dialysis access. We report successful surgical management of an end-stage-renal-failure (ESRF) patient with symptomatic subclavian vein occlusion refractory to angioplasty in an ipsilateral arm with an existing functional brachio-basilic transposition arteriovenous fistula by performing a basilic to internal jugular vein (IJV) bypass graft, relieving both the arm swelling and salvaging the existing vascular access for future haemodialysis.