title: Conversion of tunneled hemodialysis catheter into HeRO device can provide immediate access for hemodialysis.
abstract: Patients with central venous occlusion who are ''tunneled catheter dependent'' are a challenge for hemodialysis access. A relatively new option for them is the hemodialysis reliable outflow (HeRO) device that can be totally implanted subcutaneously. However, patients still require a tunneled hemodialysis catheter that is used until the HeRO device is mature, 4 to 6 weeks later. Here, we describe a conversion of an existing tunneled hemodialysis catheter into a HeRO device, which was combined with a ''self-sealing'' Flixene graft. This allowed almost immediate use of the HeRO device without the need for placement of a catheter.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello, Idaho, USA. juliov@portmed.org
authors.forename: Julio C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Vasquez
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DeLaRosa
authors.forename: Fahim
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rahim
authors.forename: Naeem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rahim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome