Removal of the acute thrombus in dialysis vascular access with Fogarty catheter

Objective To evaluate the use of Fogarty catheter to remove thrombi in dialysis vascular access.Methods The thrombosed vascular access was incised and a 3 Fr catheter was inserted with the balloon not inflated.After the Fogarty catheter broke through the thrombus,saline was infused into the balloon and the catheter was then pulled to remove the clots.Results The operation was performed in 4 patients.In all of them,hemodialysis was resumed within 24 hours after the removal.The access flow was restored,allowing satisfactory hemodialysis in 3 patients,while thrombosis recurred in 1 patient and the blood flow rate there was poor.Three of the 4 vascular accesses were maintained functioning well,with the longest having been serving for 22 months.Conclusion Removing the vascular access thrombus with Fogarty catheter helps to preserve the problem vascular access and prolong its working life.