Initial experiences of hemodialysis HeRO graft in University Hospital Dubrava – A report of two cases and review of literature
Autori:
Branko Fila, Klara Jurić†, Josip Ćurić, Danijel Cvetko, Stipe Radoš, Nino Tičinović, Ivan Durlen, Ana Šavuk
Sažetak
Summary
A new vascular access system in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis was implanted for the first time in Dubrava University Hospital in Zagreb. It is a combination of a central venous catheter and a graft known as Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow device (HeRO graft). The main indication for this vascular access is the occlusion or a significant stenosis of the central veins. Literature supports the significance of this type of vascular access over tunneled central venous catheters which should be the last option for patients requiring permanent renal replacement therapy. Unlike tunneled catheters, this system is completely located subcutaneously which makes it more resistant to infections. So far, two HeRO grafts for hemodialysis have been implanted in Dubrava University Hospital, and according to the first experiences, detailed workup on candidates is required before this procedure. It is necessary to be well aware of the indications and contraindications, and the cooperation of several specialties is required: nephrology, anesthesiology, radiology and surgery. It is especially important to pay attention to the condition of the arterial circulation of the arm used for this vascular access in order to avoid possible ischemic complications. In both of our patients, the implantation procedure had no immediate complications and we started using the HeRO graft.