Percutaneous Access of the Superior Vena Cava in Patients with Bilateral Jugular-Subclavian Vein Occlusion Using Wire-Target Access for Placement of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters: an Important New Tool for Gaining Upper Body Vascular Access

This study presents the technique of percutaneous wire-target access of the superior vena cava (SVC) in patients with bilateral jugular-subclavian vein occlusion requiring a tunneled hemodialysis catheter. A 3-year retrospective review of five patients was performed. The femoral vein is accessed percutaneously and a 5F sheath inserted. This is followed by placement of a pigtail catheter (wire-target) in the SVC with cavography. The SVC is percutaneously cannulated at the level of the pigtail under fluoroscopy, and a guidewire is passed into the vena cava with confirmation by injection of contrast material. A tunneled hemodialysis catheter is then placed. The wire-target technique of SVC access can be used safely and effectively to establish upper body catheter access when traditional techniques are not possible.