A new hope for vascular access, modifying a new technique: The Surfacer® Inside-Out Access Catheter System and sharp recanalization

Vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis (HD) continues to be the keystone of the technique's success. The first option should be an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG), although in some scenarios the only possibility available is a central venous catheter, which could lead to an increase in vascular complications such as thoracic central vein occlusion (TCVO), becoming a challenge for physicians. If conventional therapies cannot be performed, a new device called the Surfacer (R) Inside-Out (R) Access Catheter System (IOA) (Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, San Antonio, TX, USA) arises as a promising alternative. Here we describe the case of a patient in which we performed a combination of two techniques: sharp recanalization plus Surfacer (R) Inside-Out (R) Access Catheter System.

Automated summary

Vascular access is crucial for the success of hemodialysis. The first option is usually an arteriovenous fistula or graft, but in some cases, a central venous catheter is the only possibility. However, a new device called the Surfacer Inside-Out Access Catheter System offers a promising alternative.