Mechanical thrombectomy of hemodialysis fistulae and grafts.

In this article, the authors present approaches they use in performing dialysis access intervention-in particular clotted access. It is not meant to be a comprehensive review of dialysis access management. At our institution, mechanical thrombectomy is the primary mode of treatment for clotted hemodialysis access. We will present physical examination findings in clotted dialysis access and contraindications for mechanical thrombectomy in dialysis access. We will also discuss the devices for mechanical thrombectomy and the techniques we use. Finally, we will discuss the difficulties encountered in these procedures and their solutions.