ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular balloon dilatation in removing incarcerated tunnel cuffed catheter (TCC) . Methods The clinical data and the imaging materials of 4 hemodialysis patients with incarcerated TCC, who received endovascular balloon dilatation at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, China, during the period from January 2017 to March 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. After the treatment, the patient's vital signs were monitored, and the procedure-related complications such as hemopneumothorax, subcutaneous hematoma, arrhythmia, etc. were documented. Results The mean age of the 4 patients was (73.3±6.4) years. The average indwelling time of TCC was 5.5 years (4-8 years) . Successful treatment of incarcerated TCC was achieved in all 4 patients. In one patient, both 5-mm and 6-mm balloons were used to simultaneously dilate the dual cavities of TCC.Temporary arrhythmia occurred in one patient during operation. No serious postoperative complications occurred. Conclusion For the remove of long-term indwelling incarcerated TCC, endovascular balloon dilatation is minimally-invasive, safe and effective, although more researches are needed to further confirm its safety and reliability.