Carotid artery tortuosity may pose a problem during insertion of the tunneled catheter for hemodialysis

Abstract

Tortuosity of the carotid artery is usually an asymptomatic vascular abnormality and is discovered accidentally during cerebral angiography. These vascular changes may aggravate surgical procedures in the neck region. We described a technique of permanent catheter insertion in patients with renal graft failure in whom renal replacement therapy was necessary. Severe tortuosity of cervical arteries may make this procedure more difficult, necessitating a special technique, that is, full image monitoring.

Keywords: carotid artery; dialysis; end-stage renal disease; tortuosity; tunneled catheter.