Collapse of a cephalic arch stent: An atypical complication of hemodialysis vascular access

J Vasc Access. 2024 Sep 28:11297298241281794. doi: 10.1177/11297298241281794. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Access dysfunction is a significant contributor to morbidity in hemodialysis patients. The cephalic arch is a common location of vascular stenosis, with a considerable risk of relapse. While covered stents demonstrated a higher patency rate when compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, their placement has some issues. Stent collapse and guttering are well-documented in arteries but not in arteriovenous fistulas. This report describes an unusual case of a cephalic arch stent collapsing 1 month after its positioning, as evidenced by access dysfunction.

Keywords: AV fistula; covered stent; dialysis; dialysis access; interventional radiology; ultrasonography—Doppler evaluation.