An easy technique for the removal of a hemodialysis catheter stuck in central veins.

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters are currently used for long-term hemodialysis (HD) in a large number of patients. When the catheter needs to be removed, the removal is usually achieved without difficulty after dissection of the cuff from the tunnel. However, when the catheter is stuck in the central vein, the removal becomes complex or unsuccessful. Herein, a simple and easy technique is described for the removal of an HD catheter stuck in the central vein. CASE REPORT: Attempts were made to remove an HD catheter from a 65-year-old male by making an incision in the skin over the exit site of the catheter to dissect the cuff from the tunnel and by pulling the catheter, but without success because the catheter was stuck in the central vein. Through a second skin incision in the neck, the subcutaneous portion of the catheter was retrieved from the tunnel and then an introducer sheath was inserted over the catheter into the internal jugular vein while the catheter was held in place. The sheath was advanced around the catheter into the central vein. The catheter was then easily pulled out from the central vein. COMMENT: The reported cases of stuck catheters in the literature were reviewed to acknowledge the difficulties encountered in the removal attempts. The technique described herein can be used for the removal of a variety of catheters and wires stuck in the central vein.