Effect of balloon angioplasty on catheter patency in the replacement of dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters

Aim: Fibrin sheath formation is the most common problem in dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters. Different methods are available to prolong catheter patency in such situations. In this study, it was aimed to compare the effect of balloon angioplasty on catheter patency in the replacement of dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters. Material and Method: A total of 93 catheter exchange procedures in 84 patients with dysfunctional tunneled hemodialysis catheters were included in the study. Fifty-two catheter exchange procedures performed with balloon angioplasty and 41 catheter exchange procedures performed without balloon angioplasty were retrospectively evaluated. Catheter patency in both groups were assessed at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months. Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex and catheter location between the groups. The mean patency time was 5.9 months (1 week-29 months) for all exchanged tunneled catheters. The mean patency duration of the catheters was calculated as 5 months in the balloon angioplasty group and 7.1 months in the group without balloon angioplasty (p=0.083). There was no statistically significant difference in patency duration of two groups. Conclusion: Comparing patency durations of exchanged dysfunctional tunneled catheters, there was no effect of performing balloon angioplasty during the exchange procedure. In such cases, it would be more appropriate to consider the condition of the patient and to choose a less harmful and costly procedure for the patient