Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Access Occlusion Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug in Patients with Intractable Arm Edema

OBJECTIVES: Vascular occlusion of hemodialysis arteriovenous access (AVA) using an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP; St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) is an arising and alternative practice in selected patients; however, few reported cases can be found in the literature. Herein, we report on our experience with endovascular treatment of complicated AVA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2015 to December 2016, 3 patients at our clinic underwent an occlusion of hemodialysis AVA with 2 different Amplatzer vascular plugs: 2 patients with type II and 1 patient with type IV. Of these, 1 patient was treated for an autologous radiocephalic fistula, the second patient was treated for an autologous brachiocephalic fistula located at the elbow, and the third was, instead, treated for a radiocephalic forearm fistula. The reason for closing the AVA in all patients was due to the presence of dialysis-associated steal syndrome with critical hand ischemia and intractable ipsilateral edema. RESULTS: All AVAs were treated using an AVP. No plug migration, access revascularization, persistent ischemia, nor other complications were observed. CONCLUSION: This report suggests that the use of AVP for embolization of complicated AVA is a safe and reasonable alternative to open surgery in selected patients.